2026 Hall of Achievement Tribute Journal

2026 HALL OF ACHIEVEMENT

AWARDS DINNER & LIVE AUCTION

HONORING

Thank You Shane & Jim!

From all of us at The Save Mart Companies, congratulations to Shane Sampson and Jim Perkins on the honor of being inducted into the CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement. Your years of service, commitment to our communities, and leadership in the grocery industry mean so much to so many.

Congratulations!

Congratulations, Herb!

Herb Smith

From all of us at The Save Mart Companies, congratulations to Herb Smith of E&J Gallo Winery on this well-deserved honor. Gallo is one of our longest-standing partners, a relationship rooted in the same community, the same values, and a shared commitment to excellence.

We're proud to celebrate together.

Shane Sampson (Retired)

Jim Perkins

CONGRATULATIONS

Shane Sampson The SaveMart Companies

Jim Perkins The SaveMart Companies

Herb Smith GALLO

Dear Guests,

Chair’s Letter

Honoring Industry Legends

On behalf of our Board of Trustees, our HOA Dinner Committee, and the CGA Educational Foundation staff, thank you for taking part in this special night. This evening, it is our privilege to induct Shane Sampson, Jim Perkins, and Herb Smith into the Foundation’s Hall of Achievement.

Each of these three distinguished industry leaders has left their mark on the grocery industry through their impressive careers, and we are all better for it. We are thrilled to recognize their impact on the grocery industry all while celebrating the education and empowerment of future grocery leaders.

Tonight’s celebration is especially meaningful for me as it is my first as Chair of the CGA Educational Foundation. Since joining the Board of Trustees in 2022, it was immediately clear to me what an impactful organization this was for supporting and developing the future grocery industry leaders. Expanding educational opportunities for the dedicated members of our industry is a personal passion of mine as I also serve as President of the Heritage Grocers Giving Foundation. I am honored to carry on the torch from our fantastic past CGAEF Chair, Jacquie Slobom, to serve the Foundation’s mission.

I also would like to acknowledge this being the last Hall of Achievement dinner with our very own Ron Fong at the helm of the Foundation. As you all know, Ron, who has served as the Foundation’s president for nearly two decades, has announced his intention to retire at the end of this year. During his tenure, Ron has led the Educational Foundation’s rise to nearly $1 million annually disbursed through college scholarships and tuition reimbursements for grocery associates and their families and surpassed a milestone of $10 million in college scholarships. The work he has done to advance industry education opportunities is immeasurable, and on behalf of my fellow Trustees and the industry at large, I thank Ron for his steadfast leadership over these last 19 years.

So far in 2026, the Foundation has reached a monumental $1 million in college scholarships available. That spirit of giving drives fundraising events like tonight’s dinner and allows the Foundation to grow its programs to pave the path to success for the next generation of industry leaders. Through the Foundation’s signature college scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs, and education and training resources, we are proud to support our grocery community with life-changing education and career opportunities.

Not only does tonight’s celebration allow us to honor three deserving industry veterans, but it also gives us the opportunity to recognize upcoming talent in the industry. Tonight, we are proud to present the second in-person CGA Rising Stars awards to an impressive group of eight emerging leaders from grocery retail and supplier companies. We will also recognize Ryan Montez from Smart & Final who received the seventh annual $10,000 Legends of the Industry Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship is awarded to an ambitious CGA member company employee pursuing a career in grocery or grocery-related manufacturing industries.

Thank you to all the retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, donors, and industry friends for joining this evening of celebration. Cheers to all the incredible talent here tonight, both seasoned and emerging. I look forward to working with you all to further propel the Foundation forward and serve our mission.

Adam Salgado Heritage Grocers Group CGAEF Board Chair

Mission Statement

The California Grocers Association Education Foundation strengthens the grocery industry by empowering people to learn and grow.

2026 Sponsors

The CGA Educational Foundation would like to thank the following event sponsors for their support of tonight’s event.

Platinum Dinner Sponsors

Gold Reception Sponsors

Silver Rising Stars Sponsor

SHANE SAMP SON AND JiM PERKiNS

THEiR LEADERSHiP, DEDiCATiON, AND CONTRiBUTiONS TO THE iNDUSTRY ARE TRULY COMMENDABLE! HERB

ON THEiR WELL-DESERVED iNDUCTiON iNTO THE CGAEF HALL OF ACHiEVEMENT

President’s Message

Of Celebrations and Signoffs

The CGA Educational Foundation’s Hall of Achievement is a marker of sorts. It records the tremendous impact individuals have made on California’s grocery community and celebrates their accomplishments in high style while raising money to ensure the industry’s future is in good hands. A spinning wheel that each person working in the industry must commit to pushing against if we are to propel it forward and maintain forward momentum.

By its very nature the Hall of Achievement often also signals the end of eras and shifting tides in the industry. We celebrate what has been and support what will be. For me, this concept has never been truer because 2026 will be my final year serving as President of the CGA Educational Foundation.

Having attended many Hall of Achievement dinners during my tenure in the industry, I can say you never think you’ll be “of age” for stepping away or being a part of one era’s end. Retirement doesn’t exactly come easy when you love what you do and have the privilege to work closely with so many fantastic individuals day in and day out.

Many of the most rewarding moments in my career have come from the Foundation’s efforts. There is so much we’ve accomplished that is worth celebrating. Most notably, we’ve reached the Foundation’s annual $1 million scholarship awards goal—an incredible milestone for our community (and yes, feel free to raise those paddles in celebration!) I will truly miss working the esteemed Foundation Board of Trustees, as well as the CGAEF staff, which has always punched above its weight.

Very little of these achievements were due to my work, but instead it’s been our collective effort and love for the industry. The pride we take in making it better. You’ve been the best partners a leader could ask for.

Change is also afoot in the CGA Educational Foundation. Adam Salgado, of Heritage Grocers Group, is at the helm and already doing great work. I’ve had the chance to

get to know Adam over the last handful of years during his tenure on the CGA Board of Directors. I’m also excited to see how his marketing expertise will filter into how the Foundation works to promote itself.

I want to conclude by paying tribute to tonight’s honorees: Shane Sampson, retired CEO for The Save Mart Companies, Jim Perkins, President & CEO for The Save Mart Companies, and Herb Smith, Vice President of Off-Premise Customer Development & Category Management for Gallo. These individuals represent absolute institutions of California’s grocery industry. The impact over their long careers is incalculable and this recognition overdue. Not to mention the dynamic duo of The Save Mart Companies and Gallo. These companies power the state’s economy and Central Valley especially.

I have known all three of our honorees throughout my career, and they are the epitome of talent, leadership, and boldness. They have demonstrated tremendous resiliency, a genuine ability to embrace trends and modernization while also proving to be absolute stewards of the grocery industry. Beyond their personal and professional contributions to this grocery community, each has given back to the industry and their companies by supporting their employees, and I know they have always encouraged further education among their teams.

So tonight will be my last HOA in the President’s role. I don’t expect it to be my last Hall of Achievement dinner though. It’s not goodbye, but I’ll see you around. Thank you for the joy of a lifetime serving the grocery industry.

Ronald Fong CGA Educational Foundation President

CGAEF

Hall of Achievement Honors

Food Industry Leaders

The CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement is a prestigious award program developed to honor those who have contributed substantially to the benefit and advancement of the food industry.

The Hall of Achievement provides the industry with the opportunity to recognize the

CONGRATULATIONS!

The MARS Snacking team congratulates Shane Sampson, Jim Perkins and Herb Smith on being named to the prestigious Hall of Achievement!

Shane Sampson

Jim Perkins

Herb Smith

CGAEF Board of Trustees

In 1992, the California Grocers Association Board of Directors embarked on an ambitious program.

To expand into areas previously beyond their reach due to limited manpower and funding, they created the CGA Educational Foundation. The Foundation’s mission was simple: to advance the grocery and supplier industries through employee education, industry research projects, and recognition of excellence.

A Board of Trustees comprised of individuals with years of expertise from all segments of the food industry provides the Foundation with direction and strategic planning.

Officers

These are people who know what the needs are in an environment that is constantly changing. To meet that challenge, our Trustees continually ask the questions: How do we help our member companies support their employees? What do their employees need to be as helpful as possible to their customers?

We are tremendously grateful for the time and leadership that the following Trustees devote to our Educational Foundation.

Chair Adam Salgado, Heritage Grocers Group Foundation

Adam Salgado serves as President and Executive Director for Heritage Grocers Group Foundation, overseeing all charitable, philanthropic and community engagements for the organization. Prior to this, he served as Chief Marketing Officer for Heritage Grocers Group where he oversaw brand, PR & communications, digital marketing, e-commerce, and loyalty for all banners, comprising 115 stores in six states. Adam began his 20+ year marketing career in advertising at Leo Burnett/Starcom. He then transitioned to McDonald’s, starting in the Puerto Rico market, and later holding various marketing positions in New York, Latin America, Houston, and Chicago. In addition to serving as the CGAEF Vice-Chair, he is a Board Member of CGA, and a Trustee for AFMA. Adam graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in marketing and received an MBA from Fordham University.

Vice Chair Joan Dobias-Davis, The Save Mart Companies

Joan Dobias-Davis serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for The Save Mart Companies, where she leads comprehensive human resources strategy for more than 11,000 employees. Her responsibilities encompass employee relations, talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion initiatives, workforce planning, and HR operations. With over 25 years of experience spanning manufacturing, e-commerce, distribution, and retail grocery sectors, Joan brings deep expertise in human resources and employee relations. She has held progressive HR leadership roles at industry-leading organizations including Tetra Pak Inc., Amazon, Supervalu, and Albertsons, building operational excellence and strategic HR capabilities across diverse business environments. Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Joan is deeply committed to community impact, serving as Chairperson for The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and holds a master’s degree in Human Resources and Employment Relations from Pennsylvania State University.

Secretary Erika Skaar, Stater Bros. Markets

Erika Skaar is a District Manager at Stater Bros. Markets and has been in the retail grocery industry for over 25 years. She has hands-on experience in all aspects of business including leadership, communication, strategic planning, succession development, operational execution, financial analysis, and forecasting. She leads a team of 1,500+ employees throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties. Erika earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Western Governors University. Outside of work, Erika is a volunteer, world traveler, speaks four languages, and loves to spend time with her family.

Trustees

Treasurer Kelly Smith, United Markets

Kelly Smith started working in the family grocery business while in high school and after earning a degree from St. Mary’s College of California in business administration, she took the role of Human Resources Manager and Community Outreach Manager. She is now the President and CEO of United Markets, her family’s two-store operation in Marin County. She believes her position creates an opportunity to both serve her community and take care of her 130 employees. She finds the industry challenging and fulfilling because it allows her to creatively problem solve. She has a passion and a never-ending curiosity for the grocery business.

Taylor Chappell, Anheuser-Busch

Taylor Chappell serves as the Retail Sales Director for Anheuser-Busch managing the business with various retailers across Northern CA and the West Coast. Taylor graduated from UC Davis with a BS in Managerial Economics while playing college soccer all four years. She began her career in the beverage industry with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits before transitioning to Craft Brew Alliance, also known as Kona Brewing, where she held a variety of sales roles. In September 2020, after Anheuser-Busch acquired CBA, Taylor enjoyed different roles within the high end and retail departments. When not working, Taylor enjoys the great outdoors by golfing, skiing, fishing, traveling, and hiking with her husband and dog Brew, who volunteers alongside Taylor as a therapy dog in local hospitals.

Jeremy Cullifer, C&S Wholesale Grocers

Jeremy began his grocery career in 1994 as a courtesy clerk at Bel Air in Carmichael, CA. He worked in many store level positions, from cashier to pharmacy technician to managing visual merchandiser, ending his 21-year term with Raley’s in their human resources department. In 2015, Jeremy founded his own independent grocery store in La Quinta, CA. After relocating back to Sacramento in 2018, Jeremy joined the team at C&S Wholesale Grocers as a Retail Account Manager and is now serving as Director of Customer Experience. During his time with Raley’s, Jeremy benefited from both tuition reimbursement and college scholarships offered through CGAEF, and with that financial assistance, earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees. CGAEF was instrumental in his ability to pursue his education and he is thrilled with the opportunity to give back.

Bruce Frazier, Albertsons Vons Pavilions

Bruce is Human Resources Director for Albertsons Vons Pavilions in Southern California. His career with the company spans more than 50 years beginning in 1973 as a courtesy clerk in Lynwood, CA. He worked his way up to store manager and then moved into the human resources department in 1987. In his current position, he oversees the human resources function for Albertsons in Southern California. Bruce received his bachelor’s degree in business management from CSU Long Beach as well as a certificate in FIM from USC. Bruce and his wife Aggie have two grown children and three grandchildren and reside in Canyon Lake.

Branden Hester, Sprouts Farmers Market

Branden began his career with Sprouts Farmers Market in 2020 as a Dairy Manager, quickly establishing himself as a results-driven leader, ultimately working his way through assistant store manager and store manager roles. In 2024, Branden advanced to District Director, overseeing the Sacramento market, where he leads district wide performance across fresh operations, financial execution, leadership development, and community engagement throughout North Valley California and Northern Nevada. Known for his strategic mindset and hands-on leadership style, Branden prioritizes accountability, innovation, and team empowerment to deliver sustainable growth. Branden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Cal Poly Humboldt and is currently earning his MBA from Western Governors University. He resides in Rancho Cordova, with his wife and their dog, Pluto.

Kim Phibbs, PAQ Inc.

Kim Phibbs is the Vice President of Human Resources for PAQ, Inc., a grocery retailer that operates the Food 4 Less and Rancho San Miguel Markets banners. She oversees all aspects of human capital management, including talent acquisition, leadership training and development, HR operations, and HR technology integration. Kim brings more than 30 years of senior HR leadership experience across the transportation, food manufacturing, distribution, and retail sectors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Capella University. Outside of work, Kim and her partner Mike enjoy spending time with their five children and seven grandchildren.

Jeff Severns, PepsiCo Beverages North America

Jeff Severns joined the West Division of Pepsi in March of 2018 as the Senior Director of Retail Sales, overseeing a team of directors and leading the sales strategy for regional grocery, Hispanic grocery and convenience & gas. With almost 30 years in the industry, he has worked in the sales strategies and distribution capacity for several companies, including Truco Sales, Schwan Food Company, and Frito-Lay. Jeff graduated from the University of La Verne, where he completed his BA and MBA in Business Administration as he worked full time for PepsiCo. He lives in Fontana, CA with his wife Caroline and their children Jetaime, Ryan, and Luke.

Jacquie Slobom, Gelson’s Markets

Jacquie has dedicated over 40 years to Gelson’s Markets, advancing through various positions to her current role as District Manager. In this capacity, she leads the implementation of the innovative Upshop format and spearheads shrink reduction strategies across all stores, along with ensuring exceptional customer service, employee development, and optimal four-wall operations, which drive overall business performance. In addition to her operational responsibilities, Jacquie is a fervent advocate for community engagement. She directs charitable initiatives and cultivates strong partnerships with local food banks and nonprofit organizations. Since 2009, she has been a valued member of the CGAEF Board, serving as Board Chair from 2019 to 2025 and continuing her impact as a Trustee.

Michael Sodaro, North State Grocery

Michael began his grocery career in 2009 as a production clerk with North State Grocery, stocking shelves and learning the fundamentals of store operations. He has held a variety of roles over the years, gaining broad experience across the organization. During his tenure as store leader for Holiday Market in Cool, CA, he also served as a director for the Divide Chamber of Commerce. In July 2022, Michael was promoted to Vice President of South Division Operations. He currently resides in Roseville with his wife, Janna, and their two young children, Leo and Sloane.

Joseph Tischbern, Chedraui USA

Joe Tischbern is the Vice President of Talent Development and Engagement for Chedraui USA and has been in the grocery industry for 35 years. He began his career as a cashier with Smart & Final Stores and has held positions in store management, human resources, safety, and operations before landing in his current role. He leads a team of 21 training professionals who support training, learning, education, engagement, performance, and succession for over 26,000 employees across five states. Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Vanguard University of Southern California and a master’s degree in human resources from Amberton University. Outside of work, Joe is very involved as a deacon and worship leader at his church. He loves traveling with his wife of 30 years and his two adult children.

Dinner Committee

2026 Dinner Committee Co-Chairs

Zeb Early The Save Mart Companies

Donovan Ford The Save Mart Companies

2026 Dinner Committee

Dave Benson NuCal Foods

Taylor Chappell Anheuser-Busch

Ivan Covarrubias

Heritage Grocers Group

Holly Gerson The Save Mart Companies

Emily Huang 99 Ranch

Luis Maravilla

Sprouts Farmers Market

Mac McCoy

The Save Mart Companies

Candace Minto

PepsiCo Beverages North America

Kristi Peredo C&S Wholesale Grocers

Adam Salgado Heritage Grocers Group

Michael Sodaro

North State Grocery

Brad Thomas

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Juan Trillas Bimbo Bakeries USA

Lydia Vallejo Flowers Foods

Priyanka Vijay

Keurig Dr Pepper

Casey Scharetg Gallo

CGA Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Chair

Richard Wardwell Superior Grocers

Treasurer Elliott Stone Mollie Stone’s Markets

First Vice Chair

Jonson Chen 99 Ranch

Secretary Sergio Gonzalez Northgate Gonzalez Markets

Chair’s Appointees

Joe Mueller Kellanova

Ryan Adams Gelson’s Markets

HeeSook Alden Certified Federal Credit Union

Joe Angulo Chedraui USA, Inc.

Steve Brancamp United Natural Foods, Inc.

Elaina Budge Costco Wholesale

Adam Caldecott Good Food Holdings

Rocky Campbell C & K Market, Inc.

Dorothy Carlow Mother’s Market & Kitchen

Taylor Chappell

Anheuser-Busch InBev

Adam Deardorff FMS Solutions, Inc.

Chris Dehoff

Dehoff’s Key Market

Brenda Palomino Amazon

Subriana Pierce CA Fortune

Board of Directors

Dom Engels Classic Wines of California

Anthony Escobar NuCal Foods

Shant Fermanian Super King Markets

Jon Giannini

Nutricion Fundamental, Inc.

Amber Hammond KeHE Distributors, LLC

Justin Hyer Molson Coors Beverage Company

Tyler Kidd Mar-Val Food Stores, Inc.

Andrew Knight Instacart

Brandon Lombardi Sprouts Farmers Market

Nick Malm

Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling LLC

Brady Matoian OK Produce

Brendan McAbee Bimbo Bakeries USA

Kelli McGannon King Soopers

JR Medina

Super A Foods, Inc.

Candace Minto

PepsiCo Beverages North America

Michael Molinar PAQ Inc.

Kelly Mullin

Safeway Northern California

Bethany Pautsch Tyson Foods, Inc.

Eric Pearlman C&S Wholesale Grocers

Karen Reid

Post Consumer Brands

Adam Salgado

Heritage Grocers Group

Nick Sass The Hershey Company

Second Vice Chair

Bertha Luna Stater Bros. Markets

Immediate Past Chair

Michel LeClerc North State Grocery, Inc.

Independent

Operators Committee Chair

Chang So Hollister Super, Inc.

Casey Scharetg Gallo

Kristen Sherwood Grocery Outlet, Inc.

Diane Snyder Whole Foods Market

Brad Thomas Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Joe Toscano Nestle Purina PetCare

Steve Tsujimoto

Berkeley Bowl Marketplace

Priyanka Vijay Keurig Dr Pepper

Stephanie Wu The Save Mart Companies

Kevin Young Young’s Payless Market IGA

CGA Educational Foundation Programs

The California Grocers Association Educational Foundation strengthens the grocery industry by empowering people at every stage of their careers to learn and grow. By investing in education and professional development, the Foundation helps organizations build a skilled workforce, supports individual career advancement, and fosters long term industry leadership. These goals are accomplished primarily through the College Scholarship, Tuition Reimbursement, and Industry Education programs, which provide financial assistance, learning opportunities, and resources that open doors for individuals while strengthening the future of California’s grocery community.

College Scholarships

The Foundation’s most successful undertaking to date is the College Scholarship Program. Its growth has been nothing short of phenomenal since its inception. Since the Foundation began offering scholarships in 1998, almost 7,000 individual awards have been granted for a staggering $11.4 million to grocery industry employees and their dependents.

We are proud to share that with the tremendous support and donations of member companies, the CGA Educational Foundation awarded 414 scholarships totaling $933,210 in 2025. For the 2026 program, $1 million is available. These funds include several types of scholarships: CGAEF Funded, Legacy, Donor, Endowed, and Piggyback Scholarships.

“Receiving this scholarship means so much because it takes the financial burden off my shoulders and allows me to focus on my studies. Being a first generation student has been an obstacle over the years. Being able to prove I can pursue something I am tremendously passionate about excites me for the future.”

— Anamaria Padilla Albertsons Vons Pavilions Industry Scholarship

In 28 years, the Foundation has awarded 6,985 scholarships totaling $11.4 million to grocery industry employees and their dependents.

The Hall of Achievement Scholarships anchor the program by honoring industry leaders inducted into the Foundation’s prestigious fraternity of grocery legends. These awards highlight students with aspirations of grocery-industry careers and recognize their academic and extracurricular achievements. The Foundation continues the tradition of celebrating leaders, both current and future, by establishing scholarships for CGA retailer, supplier, and wholesaler member company employees with extraordinary academic and professional aspirations.

Legacy Scholarships recognize exceptional leaders in our industry and assist deserving students with their education. Each Legacy Scholarship honors an individual, family, or company for 10 years with a minimum annual $1,500 scholarship in their name. For the 2026/27 scholarship season, the Trustees are thrilled to grant 30 named Legacy Scholarships including program newcomers Ryan & Julie Adams, Mary & Willie Crocker, Matthew Dodson and Erin Johnson, Nancy Negrette, and Pete & Tanya Van Helden. See pages 26-32 for a biography of each Legacy Scholarship participant.

Donor Scholarships are funded by unrestricted donations to our scholarship fund and are offered to CGA member company employees and their dependents. We are tremendously grateful to Anheuser-Busch, Baker Tilly, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Certified

Federal Credit Union, the late Ellyn Gelson, The Hershey Company, the Illuminators Educational Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Kellanova, Tyler & Kara Kidd, PepsiCo Beverages North America, Post Consumer Brands, RMS, Inc., and WK Kellogg Co. for generously supporting our scholarship program. The Foundation also offers company-funded Piggyback Scholarships, providing a flexible way for CGA member companies to invest directly in the education of their teams. Through the program, companies fund scholarships for their employees and/or their employees’ dependents while leveraging the Foundation’s established program. This expands company’s education support programs while ensuring recipients benefit from the same trusted structure, oversight, and recognition as all Foundation scholarship recipients.

“Balancing work and academics has taught me discipline, time management, and the value of hard work—lessons I will carry with me into my future. With money being very tight, your generosity will ease my financial burden and allow me to focus more fully on my education.”

— Bryce Jensen

CGA Educational Foundation Scholarship

CGAEF Scholarship Endowment

In recognition of the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary in 2017, industry partners embarked on an aggressive plan to establish the CGA Educational Foundation Scholarship Endowment. With a lead investment of $250,000, an annual $10,000 scholarship is made available to CGA member company employees, funded in perpetuity. For their lead gifts, the Foundation is indebted to Founder’s Circle Members Albertsons Companies Foundation, Alta Dena Dairy/Got Milk, Anheuser-Busch, Certified Federal Credit Union, The Clorox Company/Acosta Sales & Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company, Frito-Lay, Inc., The Kellogg Company, Raley’s, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, Stater Bros. Markets and Unilever.

To honor past and future Hall of Achievement Inductees, CGAEF established the Legends of the Industry Scholarship. This annual scholarship is a $10,000 award granted to one applicant pursuing a career in the grocery or grocery-related manufacturing industries.

To be eligible for this award, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• be a full or part-time employee of a CGA member company for at least two years as of April 1, 2026

• be enrolling as a full or part-time student for the 2026/2027 academic year

• be an undergraduate or graduate student

• be pursuing a career in the grocery or grocery-related manufacturing industries

• complete two essay questions

The goal of the CGAEF Scholarship Endowment is to support student success and opportunity by creating a permanent fund for college scholarships, offering long-term relief to the rising costs that keep many students from pursuing an education. Through continued industry support, the endowment has increased to more than $575,000 and is growing. CGAEF hopes to inspire a new trend in philanthropy, helping raise awareness of the need to increase opportunities to California’s grocery industry workforce.

In 2025, the Foundation awarded its $10,000 Legends of the Industry Scholarship to Ryan Montez, Assistant District Manager for Smart & Final. Turn to page 22 to read more about this deserving student and his education and career journey.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Partnership

The partnership between CGA Educational Foundation and California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) Agribusiness Department is designed to help shape future generations of grocery industry professionals in a wide range of disciplines through support of Cal Poly’s Food Retail Management Program. While enrolled in Cal Poly’s Agribusiness Food Retail Management Program (CPAFRM), students take a set of core classes including economics, accounting, finance, marketing, sales, data analysis, quantitative methods, agriculture and food policy, and human resources management.

CGAEF sponsors Cal Poly students that have completed a minimum of eight units of CPAFRM classes for professional development opportunities at CGA’s annual conference, Gather California, and other Association functions. Attendance at these events provides students, faculty, and grocery industry representatives the opportunity to build mutually beneficial relationships. The partnership also facilitates student-led research projects that focus on food industry trends.

18,987 tuition reimbursement grants have been awarded to grocery employees totaling $2.1 million since 1996.

Tuition Reimbursement

The Tuition Reimbursement Program operates under the belief that an educated employee is a better-prepared employee. The program encourages individuals to continue their education by reimbursing them for coursework in a wide array of fields. Accounting, merchandising, management, computers, web design, HR, communications, food safety, foreign languages, cake decorating, and floral arranging are just a sampling of the eligible coursework that the Tuition Reimbursement Program is proud to support. To combat the ever-rising cost of tuition at colleges and universities throughout the state, the Foundation Trustees increased the percourse and per-student reimbursement maximums to an all-time high. Employees may now receive up to $2,400 annually for course work that supports their career and/or career aspirations. Since its inception, the program has reimbursed nearly 19,000 individual courses totaling $2.1 million to grocery workers looking to advance themselves in the industry.

Industry Education

The Foundation believes that all grocery industry employees should have access to the most current education available. Through its sponsorship of webinars and educational programs, the Foundation delivers top industry experts and leaders to address emerging issues and trends affecting California’s food industry.

“Thank you for your investment in students like me—it helps us achieve our educational goals while inspiring us to work hard and one day, give back to our community.”

— Navya Sharma Bernie & Ellyn Gelson Legacy Scholarship

“Your generosity has considerably alleviated the financial constraint I face in affording graduate school. As a first-generation Latina student, I knew that pursuing a degree would require sacrifice, dedication and grit. Your assistance has made this journey smoother. It has allowed me to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to my education while working hard to further develop my skills.”

— Luna Llamas Anheuser-Busch Scholarship

Workplace Harassment Prevention Training

Potential harassment entanglements can appear anywhere in the work environment and in many different forms. Companies must be on constant alert about what is happening in the workplace and know how to deal with inappropriate and illegal behaviors. To support the industry, CGAEF offers highly affordable online Workplace Harassment Prevention Training courses for supervisors and non-supervisory employees tailored for the grocery industry in both English and Spanish.

These courses provide practical examples designed to raise employee’s awareness of potential workplace issues and the legal liabilities associated with harassment in today’s grocery industry workforce. They also satisfy the mandatory harassment prevention training and reporting requirements for workers in the state of California.

Grocery Compliance Toolkit

Understanding and managing risks associated with complying with state regulations in the grocery industry is an increasingly complex and frustrating endeavor. To assist our retail members, the Foundation, in partnership with the Association, has created a Grocery Compliance Toolkit with accompanying seminars and webinars to explain retailer obligations and stay ahead of enforcement actions. Topics addressed in the Toolkit include Hazardous Waste Disposal, Americans with Disabilities Act, Labor & Employment Law, Proposition 65, Food Safety Modernization Act, and Workers Comp.

Making Change

CGAEF’s Making Change program helps grocery retailers turn everyday transactions into meaningful community impact through simple, customer friendly Point of Sale giving campaigns. Participants can tailor their campaigns to reflect the needs of their community, supporting trusted national organizations such as the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, or United Way, as well as local nonprofits, neighborhood schools and community initiatives. Making Change offers a powerful, customizable way to engage customers, strengthen community connections, and elevate retailer’s local impact.

Top Shot @ Topgolf

The Foundation hosts an annual Top Shot @ Topgolf fundraiser. This unique event connects grocery retailers and their supplier partners at a venue that allows players of all skill levels to enjoy an afternoon together while raising funds for CGAEF. Tournament proceeds fund the College Scholarship, Tuition Reimbursement and Industry Education programs that are vital to strengthening our industry.

“Your generosity inspires me to keep moving forward and strive for success. I am really thankful for your support and believing in my academic goals.”

— Kate Romo Gonzalez Family Foundation Scholarship

For more information on any of the Foundation’s programs, contact CGAEF Senior Director, Brianne Page at (916) 448-3545 or bpage@cagrocers.com.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

n All employees with six months employment who work an average of 16 hours per week.

WHAT COURSES QUALIFY?

n Courses that support applicants’ career aspirations in the grocery or grocery-related manufacturing industries are eligible for reimbursement.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE?

n Complete applications must be received by CGAEF within 2 months of the semester ending.

WHAT SCHOOLS QUALIFY?

n Community Colleges

n State Colleges & Universities

n Trade Schools

n Online Workshops

n Single-Day Seminars

APPLYING IS EASY!

SIMPLY SUBMIT:

n Online Application

n Course Dates

n Grade Sheet

n Tuition Receipt

CGAEF

IMPACT PARTNERS

FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION

Friends of the Foundation are a valued community of individuals and companies whose generosity strengthens our mission and sustains our work throughout the year. Through their support of the CGA Educational Foundation, these donors provide the ability to advance programs, expand opportunities, and respond to the evolving needs of the industry and the students we serve. Their commitment reflects a shared belief in investing in people, education, and the future of our industry. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and proud to recognize them as Friends of the Foundation.

About Food Inc.

Adam Salgado

Andre Stewart

Anheuser-Busch InBev

Arteaga’s Food Center

Baker Tilly

Big Saver Foods, Inc.

Brad Askeland

Bristol Farms

Brittany Tadlock

Bruce Frazier

C & K Market, Inc.

Cal Mart

Certified Federal Credit Union

Cesar Lopez

Chedraui USA, Inc.

Cheryl Jimenez

Chobani

Circular CRV Association

Danielle Oehlman

Dehoff’s Key Market

Doug Scholz

Elizabeth Alvarez-Sell

Erika Skaar

Foods Etc.

Gelson’s Markets

George Frahm

Goodwin’s Market

Grocery Outlet, Inc.

Gui Weaver

HeeSook Alden

Hem Shah

Heritage Grocers Group

Hollister Super, Inc.

Inmar Intelligence

Instacart

Irene Willins

Jacquie Slobom

Jeff Pope

Jensen’s Finest Foods

Jessica Jimenez

Jim Lee

Jim Van Gorkom

Joan Dobias-Davis

Kellanova

Kelly Smith

Kimberly-Clark

Corporation

Kingsley Ng

Kristen Risbrudt

Lynn Melillo

Maurice Mack

Michael Reed

Michel LeClerc

Molson Coors

Beverage Company

Nestle Purina PetCare

North State Grocery, Inc.

Nugget Markets

Oto’s Marketplace

Pacaso Inc.

Pace-O-Matic

PAQ Inc.

PepsiCo Beverages

North America

Piedmont Grocery Company

Prabash Coswatte

Renee Amen

RSA America LLC

Stater Bros. Markets

Stump’s Markets

Taylor Chappell

TruGrocer Federal Credit Union

Upside

Vicente Foods, Inc.

Whole Foods Market

Young’s Payless Market IGA

SCHOLARSHIP DONORS

Scholarship donors play a vital role in shaping the future of our industry by investing in the education and development of tomorrow’s leaders. Through their generosity, students are granted transformative opportunities to pursue their academic goals and prepare for successful careers. These scholarships do more than provide financial support. They open doors, inspire ambition, and help cultivate the next generation of leaders who will strengthen and advance our community. We are deeply grateful for the individuals and companies whose commitment to education makes these opportunities possible.

Albertsons, LLC

Anheuser-Busch InBev

Baker Tilly

Big Saver Foods, Inc.

Bob & Susan Lim

Bristol Farms

C&S Wholesale Grocers

Certified Federal Credit Union

Chedraui USA, Inc.

Dave & Julie Hirz

Dennis Darling

Dennis J. Belcastro

Donna Tyndall & Mike Ketcham

ECOS

Ellyn Gelson

Gelson’s Markets

George & Debbi Frahm

Heritage Grocers Group

Illuminators Educational Foundation

Instacart

Jim & Judy Van Gorkom

Joe & Dolly Falvey

Judy Briskin

Kellanova

Kendra & John Doyel

Kimberly Clark Corporation

Matthew Dodson & Erin Johnson

the Melillo Family

Mike & Renee Stigers

Mike & Sharon Stone

Molson Coors Beverage Company

Nancy Negrette

North State Grocery, Inc.

Nutricion Fundamental, Inc.

Oliver’s Market

PAQ Inc.

PepsiCo Beverages North America

Pete & Tanya Van Helden

Peter & Jody Larkin

Post Consumer Brands

Ralphs/Food 4 Less

RMS, Inc.

Rob & Leah McDougall

Ronald K. Fong

Ryan & Julie Adams

Safeway Northern California Division

Seaside Market Inc.

Smart & Final Stores

Stater Bros. Markets

Super A Foods, Inc.

Superior Foundation

The Save Mart Companies

Treasury Wine Estates

Tyler & Kara Kidd

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) Vallarta Supermarkets the Villanueva Family Whole Foods Market

Willie & Mary Crocker

WK Kellogg Co

Young’s Payless Market IGA

Recipient of the 2025–26 CGA Educational Foundation $10,000 Legends of the Industry Scholarship

TAKING ON-THE-JOB TRAINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL RYAN MONTEZ

By Dorsey Griffith

Ryan Montez, this year’s CGA Educational Foundation $10,000 Legends of the Industry Scholarship recipient, admits he made a mistake decades ago by dropping out of college.

Today, thanks to a supportive employer and family, the scholarship money—and his own determination to get it done—he’s on his way to a bachelor’s degree.

The 42-year-old Montez is assistant district manager at Smart & Final, overseeing 25 stores in the San Diego area, from Oceanside to Chula Vista to El Cajon. Since 2008, he’s steadily climbed the company’s corporate ladder without a four-year college degree.

“I have gotten this far without the degree, but I do feel like having a degree will help polish me up,” he said. “I’ve already learned so much in the store. This will fine-tune all that experience.”

The Foundation’s scholarship program, initiated in 1998, has awarded $11.4 million to high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate students who are employees or dependents of employees at CGA member companies. For the 2025/26 program year, the foundation will offer more than $925,000 in scholarship funds.

Early missteps

He told me, ‘You need to be at winter practices.’ I said, ‘I have to work.’ He gave me an ultimatum, so I made a decision.”

Montez quit college and kept working.

But Montez showed great leadership potential at Starbucks, and was promoted to store manager, leaving in 2008 for a district manager position with a frozen yogurt business. Underwhelmed with that job, in 2008, he joined Smart & Final. Although retail grocery was never in his sights, his wife and another friend who worked there urged him to take an entry-level job as an associate at the checkout counter.

A decorated high school athlete, Montez started strong with his high school grades but struggled toward the end with a bad case of “senioritis.” He graduated from Vista High School and received a full-ride scholarship to California State University, San Marcos to run cross country and track.

Montez lived at home but was paying rent and needed to cover other expenses, so he held down three jobs, including at Starbucks, Round Table Pizza, and a catering company, to make ends meet.

“I had to work,” he said, “but my coach and I didn’t see eye to eye on my work. He came into the store one day and confronted me.

Destined for higher-level management

Montez joined Smart & Final at a time of expansion and transformation. The CEO at the time, George Golleher, was shifting the low-cost company’s focus from serving business customers to making it a grocery store for everyday grocery shoppers.

Montez soon was working on the load crew, then managing the deli and freezer department at the Encinitas store before being promoted to “person in charge.” By 2011, he worked his way up at different stores to become a senior assistant manager, then a smart retail supervisor with the merchandising department, where he also took on the role of project merchandising manager.

“None of us really planned to be where we are,” he noted. “But it’s definitely worked out.”

He credits mentors Retail Operations Vice President Rick Morales and Merchandising Director Manny de la Huerta for the on-the-job training in merchandising. Through their guidance, Montez learned strategies for managing a store, merchandising for sales, project management, construction, and developing associates.

“Manny helped teach me how to make all of the arms of the company work together to accomplish our goal—opening new stores, remodeling stores and relocating stores.”

During his time at Smart & Final, Montez has been most impressed by the strong bonds among the store associates.

“The culture at Smart & Final cultivates relationships in the workplace and even outside the workplace,” he said. “Even when our time working together comes to an end, I stay in contact with them.”

Montez met Lorenza Crane 10 years ago, when she joined Smart & Final as a store manager in San Marcos. Crane had years of management experience but was struck by her new boss’s no-nonsense style.

“On my first day, he had me order the whole store,” she said. “I thought, you trust me?’ I guess he figured that I should know how to do it. He challenges you, gets you out of your comfort zone. Instead of getting babied or introduced in little steps, he trusted me.”

Years later, the two crossed paths again during a period of company expansion. They met at one of the new stores on the first day of business. “I was new to the role as District Assistant Manager,” Crane recalled. “He was a mentor. There was a lot of learning, and we worked together on projects. He was always very helpful and a phone call away.”

A nudge toward higher education

Another Smart & Final CEO, David Hirz, who joined Smart & Final in 2010, helped motivate Montez to go back to school. Hirz championed incentives for associates to expand their horizons through certificate and tuition reimbursement programs. Montez enrolled in Cerritos Community College in Norwalk.

“I have gotten this far without the degree, but I do feel like having a degree will help polish me up, I’ve already learned so much in the store. This will fine-tune all that experience.”

“He really pushed us to build an associate’s degree education,” Montez said. “That’s how I did it. It took me two and a half years.”

In 2016, Montez received his WAFC Retail Management Certificate, intending to continue coursework toward an associate’s degree and then a bachelor’s.

“My daughter had just been born, and I was working 50 hours a week at my job and going to school,” he recalled.

“I thought I’d take a quick break,” he recalls. “Then life got busy. I committed the cardinal sin.” By 2016, Montez had reached the position he currently holds—Assistant District Manager, and has become a major advocate for the certificate program.

“Twice a year, we hold meetings with the local community colleges to help our associates get enrolled in the certificate program.”

In 2023, it dawned on Montez that the break he took after earning his certificate had lasted seven or eight years.

“I went, ‘Wait a minute. You are not practicing what you’re preaching,’” he said. “You are advocating for this, but you didn’t see it through yourself.”

In the Spring of 2025, Montez completed his associate’s degree in business administration at Cerritos College. Through an online program at Boise State University, Montez is now pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Continued on page 24 ▶

Ryan, wife Maddie, and daughter Lizzie at Goose Lake in Red River

Lizzie’s show horse “Hal” at the South Point in Las Vegas, NV.

Taking it to the next level

Montez is eager to dive into some areas of the industry he knows less well, especially supply chain management.

“I have always been directly involved in operations,” he said. “I’ve dabbled in merchandising, but my work has been about the end user of the industry. I am looking forward to courses that dive deeper into that side of the business—how the product comes in, from inception to the warehouse, and all the interfaces of what they do on their end to help get the product from receiving to our stores. It’s something I’ve never been part of.” Montez also wants to know more about grocery marketing, the data that is collected and how it’s used. He also recognizes the need for a solid understanding of how AI can enhance store efficiency and cater more precisely to customer demands.

Grateful for the support of colleagues and family

Juggling a demanding day job with child rearing and full-time schoolwork is par for the course for Montez, and he credits his wife for helping make it possible.

“My wife and I have been together for 25 years,” he said. “I can’t even tell you how thankful I am to have her in my life. She handles everything outside my work and school responsibilities. She makes it easy for me.”

As the father of a now 12-year-old, Montez makes sure he reserves plenty of time for his daughter and their family activities.

“Our company got computer-aided ordering two and a half years ago,” he said. “We also recently launched with a company to automate ordering for produce and meat. I’m a big advocate.”

“I come home from work and do homework so that all my time off can go to my daughter and wife.”

While some worry that this technology will hurt jobs, especially for leads, he said, people still have to put the data into the system or the computer program to write customer orders.

“I believe AI will help us get better for our customers and will not impact our associates. It will help them,” he said. “I hope some of my classes cover it.”

Mostly, he said, he wants a four-year college education to “be a stronger leader, a better leader for the team I am managing.”

“I come home from work and do homework so that all my time off can go to my daughter and wife,” he said. “I try to stay ahead on my schoolwork because stuff happens.”

During a recent trip to New Mexico, for example, Montez said he knocked out 12 assignments in the first two days and had the rest of the trip to enjoy with his family.

Montez is also grateful for Smart & Final’s tuition reimbursement program ($1,500 per year) and the $10,000 CGA Educational Foundation scholarship.

“It takes a huge weight off of my shoulders in terms of funds for school,” he said. “School is expensive. The funding alleviates some of that pressure.”

Montez hopes to graduate in 2027. And he doesn’t plan to stop there.

“I would like an MBA,” he said, “then see where that goes from there. I live with the motto, ‘If you are happy where you are, stay. If you see an opportunity and want to take it, by all means, do it.’ Right now, it’s with Smart & Final and continuing to grow with our organization and helping our organization grow, as well.” ■

Ryan, Maddie, and Lizzie in Sedona, AZ.

Family picture on Thanksgiving.

Dodger Stadium

C G A E D U CATI O N A L F O U N D AT I O N

WOU L D LI K E T O THANK TH E F O L L O W IN G

C O M P AN I E S F O R THEI R S U P P ORT O F T H E

C G A E F S C H O LARSHI P END O W ME N T

In 2017, CGA Educational Foundation announced the creation of the CGAEF Scholarship Endowment honoring their 25th anniversary of supporting the grocery industry with financial assistance and educational opportunities

The CGAEF Scholarship Endowment supports student success and opportunity by creating a permanent funding source for college scholarships, offering relief to the rising costs that keep many students from completing their education.

California is a place of opportunity and no industry embodies this promise more than the grocery industry

The Legacy

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

DESIGNED TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR CALIFORNIA’S GROCERY LEADERS FOR THEIR MANY CONTRIBUTIONS.

The Foundation hopes to encourage the creation of new Legacy scholarships that will honor CGAEF’s Hall of Achievement inductees, both past and future, as well as the many other men and women who have had rewarding and influential careers in California’s grocery industry. Under the program, donors commit a minimum of $15,000 to fund annual $1,500 scholarships in the honored person’s name. The scholarships are to be awarded based on requirements set forth by the Trustees of the Foundation and the donors themselves. The Legacy Scholarship participants are listed below. For the 2026/2027 scholarship year, we are pleased to award 31 Legacy Scholarships.

Ryan & Julie Adams

Began 2025

Ryan and Julie Adams are dedicated scholarship donors who are passionate about leadership, education, and giving back. With more than 25 years of experience in the food industry, Ryan credits his lifelong commitment to learning and the support he received through formal education—including financial contributions from organizations like the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation (CGAEF)—as key to his professional success. Ryan currently serves as Gelson’s Markets President and CEO. Julie began her journey as a Stater Bros. Markets employee, working her way through college before becoming a teacher. She has spent the past 19 years making a lasting impact as an educator. Together, Ryan and Julie are proud to support future college students through a legacy scholarship that reflects their values and belief in the power of education.

Lou & Dorie Amen

Began 2004

A legend in the industry. That is how Louis Amen, Board Chairman for Super A Foods, was characterized by those who knew him well. Amen bought his first store in 1950 with a partner and parlayed that into a 10-store chain that later was sold. Then he started the process all over again by himself in 1971 when he began building his current Super A chain of 8 stores in Los Angeles. A past CGA Chairman, Amen served on the Board for 30 years. He was also a longtime Board member with Unified Grocers, the largest cooperative in the western United States. An early riser, he was known for arriving at the office before dawn on many mornings. Lou passed away in 2020.

Dennis J. Belcastro Began 2023

Denny Belcastro is most recognized by his big smile and unwavering passion for serving the grocery industry. Denny has led several major CPG companies’ industry and customer collaboration initiatives. Most recently at Kimberly-Clark as Senior Vice President, Industry Affairs and Customer Development. Denny led the company’s efforts with business and industry related issues that help build sustainable enduring relationships. For more than 45 years, Denny has held leadership positions in both retail and food service business segments with Standard Brands, Nabisco, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, Hillshire Brands and Kimberly-Clark. A native of Aliquippa, PA, Denny holds a bachelor’s degree in business communication from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Northwestern University. Denny and his wife Marsha make their home in a Chicago suburb where they are involved in many community and service related events and non-profit organizations.

Judy & Bernard Briskin Family Foundation

Began 2016

Judy and Bernard Briskin have been exemplary philanthropists and deeply involved in the community with a passion for giving back. Whether its medical research, women’s health, underprivileged youngsters, elderly care, synagogue life or educational opportunities, the Briskins volunteered their time and resources to strengthen causes they support. Through various charitable campaigns, they have raised needed funds for medical, religious, and educational institutions. A consummate businessman, Bernie served as chairman, president, and CEO for the Arden Group Inc. where he helmed Gelson’s Markets from 1987 until his retirement in 2014. Bernie was inducted into the Hall of Achievement in 2007. Bernard, sadly, passed away in 2020. Judy turned her passion for art into a business as an accomplished interior designer and continues to be actively involved with MOCA, LACMA and other LA art institutions. Through the Judy & Bernard Briskin Family Foundation they have created and left a meaningful charitable legacy throughout their city.

Jack H. Brown

Began 2004

With a personal, hands-on style, Jack H. Brown led Stater Bros. Markets as executive chairman of the board. Born on Flag Day, Brown was as patriotic as they came. He began his grocery career as a 13-year-old box boy in San Bernardino. After serving with the U.S. Navy, he found his way back to the grocery industry, working for chains in Southern California, Indiana and Nebraska. In 1981, he joined Stater Bros. Markets as its top executive, and remained with the company until his passing in 2016. His legacy lives on in nearly 170 supermarkets operating throughout Southern California, delivering on his vision of fresh and affordable groceries for the community. Among his many accomplishments, he was a recipient of the Horatio Alger Award in 1992 and received the 2011 Patriot Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

Willie & Mary Crocker

Began 2025

Mary and Willie Crocker have always believed in the power of giving back. Their decision to establish a Legacy Scholarship was a natural extension of their shared values—offering a hand-up to those in the food industry and creating opportunities that can change lives. Mary has been with Alta Dena Dairy for nearly 20 years, while Willie brings over 35 years of experience in the food industry, including 14 years with Unilever and 21 years with Bimbo Bakeries USA. Both are passionate about their work and grateful for the continued support of their companies, which enables them to stay actively involved in various industry and community organizations.

Jeremy Cullifer

Began 2018

Most everyone has a dream, though not everyone finds the courage to chase it. For many, education is the key that unlocks their potential, building knowledge, skills, and confidence. It helps them refine their dream and take actions to bring that vision into reality. Through financial assistance of CGAEF, I was able to achieve both educational and professional dreams. This scholarship is dedicated to those who come after, to help them achieve their goals.

Dennis & Ruth Darling

Began 2024

Ruth and Dennis have been partners for over 50 years in family, work, and serving their communities. Working side by side as they opened their first supermarket, they strove to provide opportunity for their family by creating a successful business. The key to their success was being an active part of their community. The Darlings both served as Rotary Presidents, Youth Advocates, and were awarded the Best of Lake County Award for their business. They have been passionate in their service to education in Lake County with Ruth serving on the Site Council and Dennis on the School Board. Their two daughters both attended local schools, and they now have three grandsons attending those same schools. Ruth and Dennis have long supported education in Lake County, and they are proud to offer support to those in the food industry.

Matthew Dodson & Erin Johnson Began 2025

Erin grew up in Los Angeles and works at Provident Financial Management, supporting musicians. She attended Beverly Hills High School, where her interest in the arts and business began. Education made it all possible, enabling her to pursue a career bridging creative industries and financial management. Matthew grew up in rural Oregon and is the CEO of Retail Marketing Services, a company providing services and products to the retail industry. He also serves on non-profit boards like the Circular CRV Association. Matthew attended The Evergreen State College and the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He and Erin met during the COVID shutdown and enjoys a magical life in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles. Education has been key in shaping their personal and professional journeys.

Kendra & John Doyel

Began 2022

Being life-long learners, John and Kendra Doyel continue to encourage all those around them to continuously learn and grow. Educational opportunities are so critical, while also recognizing the importance of giving back to others, and why the Doyel family is a proud supporter of the CGAEF. Kendra began her career in the grocery industry as a pharmacist and is currently Vice President, Merchandising at Fred Meyer and serving on several community minded non-profit boards. John is a pilot for Alaska Airlines and serves his community through mentoring programs. Both of their children are keeping their love and respect for education and community at the forefront of their path. The Doyel family is honored to support those in the food industry to further their educational endeavors.

Joe & Dolly Falvey

Began 2019

Joe Falvey has dedicated more than 40 years to the grocery industry, beginning his career with E&J Gallo in 1982. He worked with Nalley Fine Foods and his own food brokerage company before joining Certified Grocers in 1999. Over the next 20 years, Falvey weathered several company acquisitions and retired as President of Professional Services for SUPERVALU/UNFI in March 2023. In addition to his professional responsibilities, Joe also served as President of the Northern California City of Hope Food Industry Association and was a Board Member for WAFC. Joe was CGA Board Chair in 2015, CGAEF Vice Chair from 2011–2013, and was inducted into the CGAEF Hall of Achievement in 2019. Joe and wife Dolly, married 37 years, are parents to two daughters, Shauna and Brooke, and have four grandchildren.

George & Debbi Frahm

Began 2017

George and Debbi Frahm have been married for 50 years, so they understand what it means to make a commitment. This same type of commitment can be seen in the charitable causes they support like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the City of Hope, the Riverside City Mission or local veterans in the Inland Empire. George worked for Stater Bros. Markets for over 47 years. He began his grocery career as a nightshift janitor and afternoon clerk’s helper while attending college at CSU Los Angeles. He worked his way up through the ranks and retired as President in 2019. Education has played a significant role in George’s success over the years and that is why he and Debbi are longtime supporters of CGAEF’s educational programs.

Bernie & Ellyn Gelson

Began 2014

Bernard Gelson was a true visionary in the supermarket industry. As the co-founder of Gelson’s Markets, he pioneered upscale grocery shopping in Southern California in the early 1950’s, having learned the grocery business from his parents who owned a small store in Sioux City, Iowa, where he was born. Always known as “Bernie”, he treated his customers as guests in his home and his employees as family. “He was a people person” said his wife, Ellyn Gelson, “who always recognized that his employees were the company’s greatest asset.” Though he never attended college himself, Bernie constantly preached the value of higher education because he believed that a college diploma, coupled with hard work, was the key to lifelong success.

Dave & Julie Hirz

Began 2018

Dave & Julie Hirz value education and are proud to support the CGA Educational Foundation. Dave was President & CEO of Smart & Final stores from 2010–2022, as well as President of Ralphs/Food 4 Less from 2000–2010. He began his career as a box boy in Cleveland, Ohio and took his first college course at the age of 30. He attended CSU Fullerton, completing his degree while working as a store manager for Boys Markets. He feels fortunate to have been given the opportunity to attend the Cornell University Food Industry Program and the USC Food Management Executive Program. Julie is a graduate of the University of Illinois and retired from Dow Chemical Company. She enjoys volunteering at their church and other charitable organizations throughout Orange County. Dave is an advisor to three Private Equity companies, and serves on the board of Heritage Grocers Group and Ares Acquisition Corporation. Dave and Julie are proud parents of three children and enjoy every minute with their two grandchildren.

Peter & Jody Larkin

Began 2008

Peter Larkin is former President/CEO of the National Grocers Association and former President/CEO of the California Grocers Association giving him a wealth of experience in the industry spanning—literally—coast to coast. It continues to serve him well as he continues as head of his own firm, Larkin Consulting LLC. Peter and Jody are strong supporters of CGA’s educational programs, and believe that education at all levels, and for all people, is critical to the success of the industry and of the country.

Rob & Leah McDougall

Began 2016

Rob McDougall enjoyed more than 40 years in the grocery industry having begun his career as a bagger at 16 years old. His experience includes 22 years at Vons Grocery Company, where he advanced through several management positions, and at D&W Food Centers in Michigan, where he served as COO. In 2007, Rob returned to Southern California when he joined Gelson’s Markets, ultimately assuming the role of President in 2012 and President/CEO in 2014 until his retirement in early 2023. Rob holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.B.A in Global Management, both from the University of Phoenix. Rob and Leah are parents to twin boys, Shaun and Robert. Now enjoying retirement, they reside in Grand Rapids, MI and enjoy camping, fishing, and spending time with their 12 grandchildren.

Nancy Negrete

Began 2025

Nancy Negrette has dedicated her career to empowering communities and expanding access to meaningful opportunities. She began her journey as a Coordinator for Stater Bros. Charities and now serves as Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Stater Bros. Markets and Chairman and President of Stater Bros. Charities. Throughout her professional advancement, Nancy has remained steadfast in her commitment to giving back and making a lasting impact. A proud advocate for education, Nancy champions the dreams of students who are determined to pursue higher education and build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Through this scholarship, she furthers her mission to uplift others and invest in the next generation of leaders.

Oliver’s Market

Began 2025

Sonoma County-based Oliver’s Market is committed to providing our customers with the finest grocery stores in the marketplace. We pride ourselves on delivering excellent customer service, outstanding variety, and support as many local vendors as possible. As a 100% Employee-Owned Social Purpose Corporation, we are committed to managing our business for the benefit of our employees, our communities, and the environment: aligning our purpose with our values. We strive to create a shopping and working environment that is fun, diverse, and welcoming to all.

Bob Piccinini

Began 2005

Robert “Bob” Piccinini was the owner of Save Mart Companies, a chain of more than 200 stores headquartered in Modesto, CA. Save Mart was started by Bob’s father and uncle to provide their neighborhoods with the best of what the Central Valley had to offer. Bob started with the company as a box boy earning 50 cents an hour more than 50 years ago. In 1985, he bought the family owned supermarket chain, becoming its chief executive officer. In 2014, Bob stepped back from day-to-day operations, but continued to play a visionary role in the company’s operation as chairman of the board until his passing in 2015. A leader with longstanding CGA ties, he was also known for his passion for classic automobiles. Bob was inducted into the Hall of Achievement in 1996.

Ralphs/Food 4 Less

Began 2020

Ralphs and Food 4 Less are dedicated to our purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are more than 27,000 associates serving customers in 305 supermarkets from headquarters in Los Angeles County. We support Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative aimed at ending hunger in our communities and eliminating waste within our companies by the year 2025. Ralphs and Food 4 Less are subsidiaries of The Kroger Co., (NYSE:KR), one of the world’s largest retailers, based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Bill Roulette Leadership Began 2025

Gracious and good-natured, Bill Roulette left his mark on the grocery industry both as a guiding force within his company and as a staunch supporter of the CGA Educational Foundation. Roulette retired in 2003 as Senior Vice President of Operations for Gelson’s Markets. During his successful career, Roulette was dedicated to CGA’s efforts, including creating new scholarship and employee development programs through the Educational Foundation. Roulette’s commitment to education was evident as he was part of the first graduating class of the USC Food Industry Management and Executive Programs. Roulette, who was inducted into the Foundation’s Hall of Achievement in 2007, passed away in 2024.

Mike & Renee Stigers

Began 2019

Mike and Renee Stigers believe in lifelong learning and strongly encourage continued education at all stages of someone’s career. Both earned their college education later in their careers demonstrating the value of lifelong learning. Mike’s grocery career spans over five decades beginning in Woodland Hills as a courtesy clerk for Safeway as a high school junior. Today, Mike is the president of Wakefern Food Corp, the largest grocery cooperative in the United States. Renee’s grocery career also included Safeway as a facilities manager for the corporate offices in Pleasanton. Mike is a former director of the California Grocers Association Board, and is currently on the Boards of FMI, NACDS, and GS1. He is also past Chair of the Western Association of Food Chains as well as the National Grocers Association. Mike serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business for the Food Industry Management Program. Mike and Renee fully support the excellent work of the CGA Educational Foundation for enhancing the lives of thousands of industry teammates through the years.

Mike & Sharon Stone

Began 2024

Mike and Sharon Stone are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives through food. Whether it’s education, medical research, support for first responders, or helping to feed those in need, the Stones believe in building strong ties and strong communities. They are committed to supporting CGAEF’s educational programs as they believe that education is critical to the success of our communities and the grocery industry. Mike, Mollie Stone’s Markets Owner/CEO, opened his first market in 1986 and expanded the company into a 9-store chain in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has achieved distinction in the industry for pioneering a ‘best of both worlds’ grocery model, offering high-quality natural and organic offerings as well as conventional favorites. Among his many accomplishments, Mike continues to be a shining example of a community-first philanthropist. In 2022, he was the recipient of the Robert B. Wegman Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence and the AFP Outstanding Corporate Grantmaker Award in 2021.

Superior Foundation

Began 2016

Superior Foundation, the non-profit organization for Superior Grocers, has been dedicated to empowering the future of local communities for over 25 years. With over $3.7 million raised, the Foundation supports education, technology access, health and wellness, and community programs that create meaningful opportunities for children and families across Southern California. By providing scholarships, school supplies, digital access, and food security programs, Superior Foundation helps bridge gaps and foster success. Its commitment to building a brighter future is reflected in its ongoing efforts to support initiatives that inspire learning, promote well-being, and strengthen local communities.

Treasury Wine Estates

Began 2019

Treasury Wine Estates is one of the world’s leading wine companies. Through world-class winemaking and brand marketing, everything we do is dedicated to realizing our ambition of becoming the world’s most admired premium wine company. We are proud of our portfolio of brands that have tremendous heritage, rich quality, and a reputation for excellence across the globe. From the iconic luxury of Penfolds, Stags’ Leap, Beaulieu Vineyards, Frank Family Vineyards, and Beringer, to the broad appeal of Sterling Vineyards, Gabbiano, and newer brands like 19 Crimes, Matua, and St Huberts The Stag, we are committed to creating memorable wine experiences for our consumers.

Donna Tyndall & Mike Ketcham

Began 2016

Donna and Mike are a true grocery couple. They began their careers bagging groceries; Mike with National Tea in Chicago in 1966 and Donna with Gelson’s Market in Burbank in 1973. Donna has spent her entire career with Gelson’s retiring in 2022 as Senior Vice President of Operations. Upon relocating to California, Mike worked for Lucky Stores and after several mergers and consolidations, retired as General Manager of Distribution for Albertsons. Mike and Donna met at the USC Food Industry Management Program in 1988 and married in 1994. They understand the importance of continuing education and want to give back to aspiring students in the food industry.

UNFI

Began 2017

UNFI is North America’s premier grocery wholesaler delivering the widest variety of fresh, branded, and owned brand products to more than 30,000 locations throughout North America, including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce providers, and food service customers. UNFI also provides a broad range of value-added services and segmented marketing expertise, including proprietary technology, data, market insights, and shelf management to help customers and suppliers build their businesses and brands. As the largest full-service grocery partner in North America, supporting the growth and development of employees and the communities that UNFI serves is an important part of the company’s culture. UNFI is committed to building a food system that is better for all and is uniquely positioned to deliver great food, more choices, and fresh thinking to customers. To learn more about how UNFI is delivering better food and creating a better future, visit www.unfi.com.

Jim & Judy Van Gorkom

Began 2019

Jim and Judy Van Gorkom have long been strong advocates for education. Their unwavering support for the CGA Educational Foundation, the Illuminators Educational Foundation, and their own stories of ongoing learning for themselves, their families and others has been seen or heard by many. Along with serving as Chair of the CGAEF for 5 years, and as Headlite/President of The Illuminators, Jim has also served on many other grocery industry boards and committees, including the California Grocers Association, City of Hope, Easter Seals, Olive Crest, and the NFRA. With more than 40 years of marriage and grocery industry experience, Jim and Judy have had many wonderful opportunities and made many life-long friends in what Jim refers to as “our terrific grocery world”.

Pete & Tanya Van Helden

Began 2025

Pete Van Helden grew up in an industry where education wasn’t encouraged. Despite that, he worked his way up in the grocery industry and, by age 40, became President of Jewel-Osco in Chicago with only a high school diploma. As he looked ahead, Pete recognized that not having a college degree could limit his potential. Determined to keep growing, he returned to school, embracing education as a powerful tool advancement, achieving his BA in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. In 2013, Pete joined Stater Bros. Markets as President and COO and today serves as Executive Chairman. He also leads Stater Bros. Charities. Pete’s passion for education is deeply personal. Having experienced the impact of limited academic encouragement firsthand, he now champions opportunities for others to learn and succeed. His wife, Tanya, shares that same spirit of service and actively participates in several Southern California nonprofits. Together, Pete and Tanya are committed to uplifting their community. They believe that with support and opportunity, anyone can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Villanueva Family Began 2022

Achieving 50+ years in an industry that has embraced and encouraged Mickie to succeed and strive for levels that she never believed possible, Mickie and Mike Villanueva strongly believe in giving back to this industry in support of education to allow others to achieve their dreams and lifetime expectations. Mickie has served on many Boards, and held officer positions with the Illuminators that culminated with being President of the Illuminators Educational Foundation for four years. These roles have brought to light the need to support and encourage those in the industry to either pursue or continue their education. Mike is also a veteran of the grocery industry, where he and Mickie first met more than 35 years ago. They recently celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary in August. Their blended family also encourages education for themselves, their children and those less fortunate. As a family, the Villanueva’s all believe “Doing for others, is Doing for yourself”.

on their induction to the CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement

From your friends and colleagues at Trailblazer Foods

From your friends and colleagues at Trailblazer Foods

HERB SMITH Gallo

SHANE SAMPSON The Save Mart Companies

JIM PERKINS The Save Mart Companies

Hall of Achievement Inductees

Huge Congrats!

Stater Bros. Markets and Stater Bros. Charities congratulate Shane Sampson, Jim Perkins, and Herb Smith on their induction to the CGA Education Foundation Hall of Achievement.

Their unwavering commitment to advancing education in the grocery industry has had a lasting impact on countless lives. Through their leadership, they have helped open doors of opportunity and strengthen the workforce that serves our communities every day.

We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the example they set for our industry.

Thank you for your dedication to uplifting our Southern California communities.

Jim Perkins The Save Mart Companies

Shane Sampson The Save Mart Companies

Herb Smith Gallo

ABOUT OUR HONOREES

SHANE SAMPSON

No one can deny that the grocery business is in Shane Sampson’s blood. His father, grandfather and great grandfather all worked in the industry and his family owned a small independent grocery store where Shane spent a lot of time as a kid. It would be a mistake, however, to think Shane somehow “inherited” a career in the industry. True, it became his life’s work, but only because he brought a passion to it that was all his own.

That passion would give him an appreciation for knowledge, drive him to the highest levels of success, reshape major corporate players in the industry, and earn him the respect and admiration of the industry’s greatest leaders.

“Shane is the top of the top, the executive to the executives and the boss to the bosses—he’s in another stratosphere,” says Ron Fong, president and CEO of the California Grocers Association.

“He’s got a unique perspective because he’s worked all over the United States and internationally, he knows all the different sides of the business. Through his mentorship he shares that knowledge with leaders across the industry, to the betterment of us all.”

All that said, Shane will be the first to tell you he’s a very private person and not one to put himself in the spotlight. Fortunately, his work, his achievements, and his legacy among today and tomorrow’s industry leaders speak for themselves.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF (SHANE’S) TIME

Shane was born in Oklahoma and spent his first years in Yukon (coincidentally the birthplace of Joe Albertson) growing up in a close-knit family. He admired and loved all of his grandparents, one set who were in the grocery business and owned a local grocery store in Ada, Oklahoma, and one set of grandparents who were farmers and ranchers just south of Ada. Because of all the time he spent with them as a child, Shane learned the value of hard work early in life.

Fong and the CGAEF Hall of Achievement are not alone in their praise for Shane and his work. He’s been honored as Mass Market Retailer’s Merchant of the Year in 2017, Retail TouchPoints’ Innovator Award in 2018 and was the CEO of The Save Mart Companies when it was named Progressive Grocer’s Retailer of the Year for 2025.

“I grew up around very hardworking people in my family and what I remember most is that if I was willing to work hard enough, and keep my commitments, good things would come,” Shane says.

“My dad spent most of his career at Nabisco and my mom worked just as hard keeping track of my sister and me. They were both strong role models for me.”

Shane started working as a clerk at a local grocery store, Furr’s Supermarkets in

In March 2025, Shane accompanies fellow TSMC leaders Jim Perkins, Joan Dobias-Davis, Donovan Ford, and Ali Sadiq at The Pattison Group’s annual leadership conference

Shane carves out time to meet with his team members at a new store opening

Lubbock, Texas, when he was 13, where he made a whopping $2.00 an hour. It was 1978 and back then two bucks an hour seemed like a lot of money. He stayed at that job through high school and upon graduation started working for Albertsons. In those days he wasn’t thinking about making a career in the grocery industry, despite his DNA. He was just looking to make a living… and make a living he did.

Shane stayed with Albertsons for the next 20 years working his way up from clerk to store manager to district manager, operations VP, division president, and then regional president—becoming one of the youngest executives in the company.

In 2003, he had the opportunity to move into an operational role at Sam’s Club in South Texas and California. It was a role he enjoyed and again worked with some of the best people in the business in a “newer to him” retail format.

Shane loved the team at Sam’s and was able to be part of the company’s community-centered culture, especially during the devastating hurricanes in the early 2000’s.

In 2006, a team led by the legendary Bob Miller invited him to come back to Albertsons LLC at a critical time. Many in the industry will remember that in 2006 Albertsons was split into three different groups. The drug store operations were sold to CVS, while a group of lower performing stores were aggregated into Albertsons LLC, and the remainder were acquired by Supervalu. Shane joined the team tasked with operating the Albertsons LLC stores and turning things around.

“This was the first time I worked for a company that was private equity backed,” Shane says. “It was a totally different paradigm, and because attention and commitment to financial performance was paramount, I learned the importance of creating and maintaining shareholder value.”

This one move started Shane on a new path in his career, where he became sort of a “fixer,” moving from one company to another to help stimulate growth, improve underperforming stores and

create more market value. After three years at Albertsons LLC, Shane took the opportunity to be part of an international company and moved to Ahold Giant, taking up residence near Washington D.C. He had strong years there and enjoyed the collaboration with industry leaders overseas in the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

In 2013, Albertsons gave him a Michael Corleone moment and, just when he thought he was out, they pulled him back in.

“Bob Miller, my mentor for all my years at Albertsons, had a plan to grow the company and asked me to be a part of it,” Shane says. “This became what is today known as Albertsons Companies Inc. (ACI).”

Shane spent the first few years back at Albertsons in Boston as the president of Shaw’s and Star Markets and in Chicago at Jewel-Osco. These banners were steeped in history and tradition, with so many long-term dedicated associates that they made Shane’s 30 years in the grocery business look like he was just getting started. Working with such strong brands made it possible to innovate and implement creative new formats and ways to reach customers.

As Albertsons was acquiring Safeway in 2015, Shane and his family relocated to Boise, Idaho and he assumed the role of Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer and a member of the Office of the Chairman. Being in Boise was energetic and, working with so many great employees from Safeway and Albertsons, Shane was able to lead the company in creating a number of new marketing and merchandising practices including opening a state of the art test kitchen in Pleasanton, enhancing the own brands portfolio, elevating vendor partnerships, expanding digital and loyalty footprints, product development, investment and store innovation.

In 2019, Shane left Albertsons and took a leadership role with the Jackson’s family of companies. Working with John Jackson and his family in an entrepreneurial culture, and amongst a diverse group of companies, was a career privilege.

Shane’s grocery roots run deep, reflected by his great aunt and uncle pictured in the family’s grocery store in Ada, Oklahoma

Shane with parents Lynn and Floyd

Shane as a high school junior

◀ Continued from page 39

In 2022, Shane was approached by Kingswood Capital Management as it evaluated and ultimately acquired The Save Mart Companies. At the completion of the sale, Shane stepped into the role of Executive Board Chairman of The Save Mart Companies. Save Mart reminds Shane about what is so right in the grocery business; by partnering with hard-working, dedicated and creative people, the team was able to improve the company’s supply chain systems, overall performance, and cultivate a team of industry experts to make the magic happen. In 2024 Shane and his team had the opportunity to lead Save Mart as it was acquired by The Jim Pattison Group, and Shane remained CEO until his retirement in 2026.

Chief Human Resources Officer for The Save Mart Companies. “Shane has consistently been a champion for in-house training programs, scholarships and support for ongoing education, regardless of whether you’re in need of entry-level skills training or executive development.”

PHILOSOPHY 2: THE GROCERY INDUSTRY IS A TEAM SPORT

BEYOND THE BIOGRAPHY—THE REAL STORY OF SHANE SAMPSON’S LEGACY

Beyond “where” he worked over the course of his career, it’s what Shane has learned, applied, and shared with countless peers and colleagues over the years that truly makes him stand out in the industry. Technically speaking, his collective wisdom and experience could be packaged into a college course, but for brevity, it can be grouped into four philosophies.

PHILOSOPHY 1: BE A STUDENT OF THE BUSINESS

“I look for three things in talent,” Shane says. “First is heart, meaning do you love what you do; next is energy—your energy communicates a lot about your personal brand when you walk into a room before you ever speak a word. And third, you are a student of the business—willing to go out and learn as much as you can, and keep learning as you advance. That’s what keeps your knife sharp.”

These are more than just words for Shane, he truly practices what he preaches, and in more ways than one. Shane continues to be a student of the grocery industry and works hard to stay abreast of changing customer needs, behaviors, and industry trends. He’s also worked hard to promote that growth mindset among his coworkers.

“Shane has always said that understanding our business is first and foremost,” says Joan Dobias-Davis, Senior VP and

“No matter who you are or how far you go in this business, you didn’t get there on your own,” Shane says. “The people you work alongside every day, as well as the people who mentor you and that you mentor yourself, they all play a part in your success.”

For Shane that “team” atmosphere is something he really likes about the business—where everyone is on the same team pulling together in the same direction to serve customers well, it generates results and everyone gets rewarded for hard work. He specifically credits the store managers he worked with, who “ran their stores like they were the CEOs of the whole company.”

Over a 40-year career he has more people to thank for guiding, teaching and mentoring him than he could possibly list, many of whom have become lifelong friends. So he does his best to pay it forward.

“To this day most of our executive team stays in touch with Shane—they see him as someone they can bounce ideas off of and a source of insight and advice,” Joan says. “They all know he’ll tell you like it is. You may not like it, but he’ll tell you anyway.”

One of those mentees is fellow 2026 HOA Inductee Jim Perkins, who became The Save Mart Companies President and CEO after Shane’s retirement.

“While I was president at Acme, Shane would call me every day to ask how I was doing, and share insights on how to lead, how to structure teams, and just to mentor me in general, he was instrumental to my career,”

Jim says. “He has great vision to see what a company should be, and how to get it there. He was a pioneer in areas like e-commerce and fuel rewards programs at Albertsons—he has a knack for future vision, taking earnings to a higher level and sharing that knowledge with his colleagues.”

Shane as an Albertsons grocery manager during the Red Baron race promotion

Proud dad Shane with his daughter Kate beside ‘Big Red’, blending family moments with a lifelong passion for grocery

With his wife Jen and daughter Kate by his side, Shane’s world comes together where family and his passion for the business meet

PHILOSOPHY 3: GROCERY IS A GRASSROOTS BUSINESS

“A grocery company is run from the floors of the stores,” Shane says. “It’s the people working on the front lines serving the customers, and who can best understand and meet their community’s needs, and who really deserve the credit for any company’s success.”

In the grocery industry, hunger relief, support for education, and working to conserve resources to protect the environment are global issues most companies are committed to supporting in some way; but that support is even sweeter when it is delivered at the local level. It’s the local store manager who commits to supporting a food bank. It’s the local store employee who coaches a Little League team. It’s the local employees who band together to start a recycling program.

Above and beyond though, it’s the local employees who do the most to build customer loyalty. Shane learned that best firsthand when, as an executive, he rode along with the drivers delivering groceries to customers.

PHILOSOPHY 4: THIS IS, AND WILL ALWAYS BE, A PEOPLE BUSINESS

In recent years the industry has shown tremendous evolution, going more digital, embracing e-commerce, diving deeper into rewards programs, and even new store formats. Shane fully expects that evolution to continue but says it should do so without forgetting that the customers are the most important thing.

“You’ve got to take care of your customers, no matter how they interact with you—in person, via delivery or online, because they are the ones who pay the bills,” Shane says. “Customer service is fundamental, and we have to take care of our customers if we want to thrive in the future.”

Trusted mentor during his Albertsons years, Bob Miller and Shane have built a lasting friendship

“We had some households that would request specific drivers, because they did more than deliver the groceries, they carried them into the house and helped put them away,” Shane says. “They’d also help out in other small ways if they could, and sometimes they’d even stay a few extra minutes and just keep folks company for a bit. It’s that kind of customer TLC that separates good people and good companies from the rest.”

Of course, that kind of commitment to customers and community must also be modeled, and supported from the top down too.

“For years our company has had a charitable organization called The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation, but it had faltered a bit; when Shane started, it became one of his top priorities,” Joan says. “He has always been passionate about the grocery store being the heart of the community, a gathering place, and a place people can depend upon for support and engagement.”

The concept of being a ‘people business’ also applies to giving back. While companies and stores may have their community support programs, Shane also emphasizes the importance of helping others in a more personal way. Shane and his family are passionate about education and they support and volunteer with organizations that strengthen education opportunities in their community—from grade school through college—particularly for kids in rural Idaho.

When asked how he thinks the industry can best bring up the next generation of executives, Shane offers two key bits of advice for the leaders of today and tomorrow.

First, keep people close.

“Keep the people who have helped you as close as the people you help,” Shane says. “I’ve kept in touch with people I’ve known throughout my career, even from the very beginning, and it’s so rewarding to celebrate their milestones and share laughs and stories about the past.”

Second, to borrow from a popular phrase, is to keep the main thing, the main thing.

“Technology and innovation are great tools, they’ve transformed this industry in fundamental ways, but if you only focus on the innovation, you’re only getting half the equation right,” he says. “There is so much data on customers out there now that it can be paralyzing, so keep the focus on the fundamentals. Your customers are more than data points, they are people. Take care of them that way, and they’ll take care of you.” ■

Save Mart leadership presents the annual President’s Award to Kristin Galloway for her outstanding team leadership

HERB SMITH Gallo

SHANE SAMPSON

Congratulations Shane, Jim, and Herb!

From your friends (and partners) at Instacart

ABOUT OUR HONOREES

JIM PERKINS

There’s a story about Jim Perkins that most everyone in the industry has likely heard, but for posterity’s sake, bears repeating.

Back while Jim was a senior executive at ACME, he would go out on clandestine solo trips to conduct “store checks” of his stores and those of his competitors. At the conclusion of one of these visits, as he was walking out of the store, he saw an older woman whose car battery was dead. It was Pennsylvania and in the dead of winter. Most folks would simply offer a jump start and be on their way, but not Jim. Instead, he drove her to an auto supply store, where he then bought her a new battery. He never said who he was, but somehow word got out, and legend has it that the story even made the news.

“Jim is one of the kindest and most generous people I know,” says Chuck Waimon, CEO of Mutti USA.

“His barometer for success is making a positive difference in the lives of others.

In a world where it’s all too easy to be a critic, Jim is a playwright.”

Other stories abound, but it’s likely most have never heard of those, since Jim isn’t looking for the accolades. He’s just trying to make his mother proud.

“My mother had a mantra that we should help others whenever we can,” Jim says. “It’s about doing what’s right even when no one’s looking, and so I try to do at least one good deed every day.

Somehow though, I get caught doing it a lot, so I got ‘Do Gooder’ as a nickname.” His other favorite nickname was “The Hillbilly from Philly,” but that’s a story for another time. What’s important to emphasize here, today, is that over the course of his distinguished career, Jim has helped more than just random folks. He’s helped countless people in the industry achieve their potential through mentorship, encouragement and pushing them beyond what they think are their boundaries.

The result of that commitment is a legacy of leaders who are already making the industry better and stronger today—and who will pass on a tradition that makes for an even more promising future.

Jim with older brother Charlie (left) in Sacramento, shortly before the family moved to Sonoma

Jim and Charlie with their maternal grandfather, Charles Davies, celebrating Christmas

Jim in him earliest days

EARLY YEARS AND FOOTBALL DREAMS

Jim was born in Sacramento, California in 1963, but he wasn’t there long. He never met his paternal father, and by the time he was four, his mom had moved Jim and his brother to live near their grandparents in Sonoma. That was where his mom met the man who would become Jim’s dad, and the family moved to Tennessee.

His parents were both very hard workers. His dad drove a truck and his mom held down—at times— three jobs, primarily as a waitress. Even so, she still found time to help some special needs kids in their community learn how to read.

“My mom was the most influential person in my life. She taught my brother and me to have a strong work ethic, to treat others right, and to be humble, but confident in our abilities,” Jim says.

“Truly an amazing lady.”

That work ethic served him well all the way through high school, where Jim earned a 3.98 GPA. This was 1981, long before the advent of AP classes and the “above 4.0” GPA-era of today. He also played football, where he excelled in playing virtually every position on the team.

As his senior year came around, the street wisdom in his community was that Jim had the academic grades and the football chops to go to Yale.

It was an exciting and intriguing idea, so Jim applied. Yale, however, felt differently.

“My mom was just devasted when I didn’t get into Yale,” Jim says. “In retrospect though, we were a pretty poor family from the country— maybe better off than most because we actually had shingles on our roof—but I don’t think I’d have fit in at an Ivy League school.”

In high school, Jim anchored both sides of the line playing tight end and defensive end

He did apply to the University of Tennessee at the last minute, which meant

he got the worst imaginable class schedule. For the few short weeks he was there, he can only describe it as a “miserable experience.”

So instead of college, he hit the road at 18. He’d built a 1948 Ford pickup in his garage while in high school, and it was time to stretch its legs. So, he hopped in it with all his worldly possessions and set out for California.

In some ways it was a homecoming— he came back to the Sacramento area and got a job at Albertsons in Folsom as a courtesy clerk, bagging groceries, offering carry out service, and rounding up shopping carts.

It was an exciting time in the grocery industry. That was the very first Albertsons store that could electronically scan groceries.

JUST KEEP CHOPPING WOOD

Jim stayed at Albertsons and worked his way through the ranks—and several Albertsons stores throughout Northern California—until he got his first store manager position in Redding in 1987. He was 26 years old. That was followed by store manager

Jim, age 25, serving as a grocery store manager early in his career

Jim joins leadership and team members for a Fresno store grand opening

Jim, left, alongside his family at brother Charlie’s wedding

positions in Fresno and Carmichael, and then Albertsons moved him out to Florida in 1994. That was when his career really launched.

From Florida, Jim returned to run Lucky from 2004 to 2006. Jim then crisscrossed the country, taking greater leadership roles at Albertsons, and Ahold. He returned to The Save Mart Companies in 2023 and was appointed President of The Save Mart Companies in 2024. He held that job until Shane Sampson’s retirement, and was named President and CEO of The Save Mart Companies in January 2026.

“I loved the fact that if you were willing to work harder than the people around you, you could advance your career quickly. But at the same time I had some really, really great mentors” Jim says. “Joe Albertson for starters, he was a huge influence. I was also mentored by legends like Bob Miller, Bob Butler, Justin Dye, and of course, Shane Sampson.”

He credits those mentors with sharing gems of wisdom that he uses to this day. He’ll be the first to tell you that the grocery business is challenging. Margins are slim, and when things like tariffs hit, and you can’t pass those costs on to customers, the grocery business gets downright hard. It’s times like that when he remembers Justin Dye telling him, “just keep chopping wood every day,” and Bob Miller’s advice to “just knock down one domino at a time and the rest will fall soon enough.”

All along the way, he pushed and challenged himself as much as his teams. To his mother’s delight, he finally returned to college in 2003, at the University of Phoenix, at the age of 40. Not content to do the usual four-year stint, however, he “speed-dated” college. He doubled up on classes and did everything possible to finish as soon as he could. He kept at it, at the same pace, even after graduation and went on to earn his master’s degree by the time he was 44.

Beyond his job promotions and academic achievements, he’s also been recognized for his work in the industry. In addition to the CGAEF Hall of Achievement this year, he’s previously been honored as a Pete Manos Retail Executive of the Year, an inductee into the Maryland Food Industry Council Hall of Fame, the New Jersey Food Industry Council Retail Executive of the Year, and he’s the only person to have been named “Executive of the Year”—twice—by the Mid Atlantic Food Trade Organization.

Ask any of his colleagues why he’s won these awards, however, and the answer goes far beyond simply running a company well. It’s not his resume that they praise. It’s the man himself.

A PASSION FOR MENTORING AND SERVING OTHERS

“Jim is really invested in teaching and fostering the next generation of grocery workers,” says Ron Fong, President & CEO of the California Grocers Association. “He has a unique ability to spot leadership ability within the ranks, and really believes in providing access to education, scholarships, internships… whatever he can do to help them succeed.”

That commitment to lifting up others is another credit to his mom, who taught him that helping others meant more than handing over spare change to someone on the corner. It meant giving someone a chance to make themselves better.

He applied that philosophy to his first store manager job, where he quickly saw the importance of mentoring people, teaching them, training them, and helping them reach their full potential. What he discovered was that helping his team thrive in their careers made for profitable and successful stores full of people who were proud of where they worked and, in turn, committed to their communities.

Jim celebrated his University of Phoenix graduation with wife Athena (above) and his parents Rosemary and Dan (below)

Jim and Athena with their children, Shane, Romona, and Ryan, surrounded by their growing family

“I believe having energized and empowered teams creates a strong business foundation,” Jim says.

“If I have learned anything in four decades, it is that you cannot build real customer relationships without taking care of your people first.”

A big part of what attracted Jim to The Save Mart Companies was the fact he could see the corporate culture embraced that same philosophy. The proof of that could be measured in employee retention. More than 30 percent of The Save Mart Companies’ associates and leaders have been with the company for more than 20 years, and many of them know their customers by name.

For Jim, the real reward is in seeing the people he works with grow and blossom in their careers. His favorite stories are about people in whom he saw that spark of potential, and who were willing to let him push them out of their comfort zone, and who are now doing more with their careers than they could have ever imagined.

“Jim is a champion for the cause of his people and his customers and will do anything he can to remove the obstacles to someone’s success,” says Chuck, who is himself a Jim Perkins mentee.

“Every day he asks himself what he can do better, and how he can lead his team better. He leads from the front, and will do anything he can to remove the obstacles to someone’s success.”

THE PRAISE GOES ON AND ON...

“Jim is a people person through and through, and always has been,” Shane Sampson says. “He’d give you the shirt off his back to help you. In my opinion he checks every box of what a leader in this industry should be.”

That applies to Jim’s volunteerism as well. Over the years he’s been involved with the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, American Cancer Society

Making Strides, The Boy Scouts of America, Manna Food Bank, St. Josephs, the Mongomery County Food Bank, the WMMR Food drive and others. He’s also particularly proud of The Save Mart Companies CARES Foundation, which has invested millions of dollars in local organizations focused on healthy eating, education, the arts and essential community resources.

“Leadership is really about serving others, and I would describe myself as someone who is focused on building a strong culture and making sure our teams have what they need to do their jobs well every day,” Jim says. “My approach comes down to three things: take care of your people first, listen more than you talk, and move fast, but learn as you go.” ■

Jim is a hands on leader who values time in stores and connections with his team

TSMC’s CARES Foundation partners with community organizations like Care Fresno, which provides after-school programs to under-resourced communities

Jim celebrates the re-grand opening of Food Maxx in Santa Clara with non-profit partners Bill Wilson Center and Second Harvest of Silicon Valley

For their significant contributions to the grocery industry!

CONGRATULATES

SAMPSON The Save Mart Companies

JIM PERKINS The Save Mart Companies

Congratulates

Shane Sampson, Jim Perkins and Herb Smith on their induction to the CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement.

Thank you for your commitment to our industry!

The mission of the Heritage Grocers Giving Foundation is to enrich lives and empower communities by advancing education, promoting health and wellness, and providing support during times of disaster. We believe strong communities are built through opportunity, care, and compassion. for being inducted into the CGAEF Hall of Achievement.

Shane Sampson

Herb Smith

Jim Perkins

HERB SMITH Gallo

SHANE

ABOUT OUR HONOREES

HERB SMITH

At one time, Herb Smith thought he might become a lawyer.

He was coming up on his college graduation, and his plan was to follow in in the footsteps of his father, who’d been a corporate lawyer for decades. One can imagine Herb’s surprise when his father talked him out of it.

Not quite sure what to do next, Herb turned his attention to sales. From a summer job he’d had earlier, he’d learned the Gallo company had a top rate sales training program, so he thought he could learn skills there and then parlay them into a sales job in the pharmaceutical industry. It was 1989, and in Herb’s mind, pharmaceutical sales was where the money was.

That was 37 years ago. Herb has been with Gallo every day since then.

“I’d had a summer job with Gallo previously, thanks to a neighbor, Ted Stutz, who worked for Gallo more than 40 years,” says Herb, now the Vice President of Off Premise Customer Development and Control States. “Once I started my career there and got immersed in the company culture, I never looked back.”

Mentor, Mr. Stutz, whose guidance at Gallo helped shape his career

“Mr. Stutz,” as Herb called him, had Herb work alongside him in his sales territory. At the time Gallo was launching a new brand called ‘Polo Brindisi’ and Herb’s job was to help Mr. Stutz build the in-store displays for the product. It was a job that prepared him well for an entry level role with Gallo, but even more important, Herb was a keen observer. He watched how Mr. Stutz interacted with the retailers, built rapport with them and forged relationships, and thought that was something he might enjoy doing.

He was right of course, but he had no idea how that desire to build relationships, coupled with his own strong connections to family and a lifetime of competitive sports would propel him forward in his career and turn him into one of the grocery industry’s most admired executives.

THE SOCAL YEARS AND DENNIS “DENNY” DESPARS

Herb was born in 1964 in Granada Hills, California, where his family lived until 1971, when they moved to Yorba Linda. His father was a General Counsel for a finance company and his mom was a homemaker for Herb and his younger sister Heidi.

Mentor Denny Despars, whose leadership and commitment to relationships molded Herb’s management style

Growing up, both parents instilled a love of team sports in him. He played basketball, little league baseball, and Junior All American football. He later played basketball and football for Esperanza High School in Anaheim. During his senior year, the football team made it to the championship game, but lost. It’s been 43 years since that game, but Herb will tell you that loss still burns today.

“What I learned from playing sports was the importance of starting what you finish,” Herb says. “I was raised never to give up, to always do your best, and ‘leave it all on the field.’ I think that really served me well as I started my career at Gallo and had to work hard to stand out among my peers.”

The road from graduating high school in 1984 and starting at Gallo in 1989 had one big pit stop at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where Herb studied English and Business and played football for

the college all four years. When he took his father’s advice to skip being a lawyer, he gave serious thought to coaching football for a living. The romance of that idea wore off quickly, however, when he saw how much of his life he’d have to sacrifice for that.

He’d had three jobs while in high school, one was at a golf course and the other two had been in the grocery industry. One of the grocery jobs was at a local independent store where he worked in the meat department—and learned a lot about customer service. The second was the job with Mr. Stutz. As Herb was getting ready to leave college, Gallo had (and still has) a very robust college recruiting program. Herb’s past experience helped get him in the door— he graduated from Cal Poly in June of 1989 and started at Gallo in July. He started on the very bottom rung as a sales merchandiser, essentially doing the same kind of work he’d done for Mr. Stutz—building and installing displays for the sales reps. He wasn’t in that role very long, however, as he quickly moved his way up. He credits a competitive nature, ingrained through years of school sports that helped him succeed in those early days. By 1990 he’d been elevated to a sales position and had his own territory in the San Fernando Valley. By 1991, he’d been promoted to a district manager, and shortly after that, to an area manager.

That was when he first met Denny Despars, who had worked at Gallo since 1967, was a legend at the company, and would eventually become one of Herb’s greatest mentors.

For the next seven years, Herb and Denny worked almost side by side, with Denny coaching and mentoring Herb, and Herb learning as much as he could from Denny about principles of management, customer relations, and “being involved” in the industry.

Herb played center at Cal Poly SLO, also handling long snaps for punts and short snaps for extra points and field goals

“I distinctly remember meeting Herb because he was from SoCal, like me, but more than that, he really stood out,” Denny says. “Gallo looks for four qualities in people—loyalty, honesty, common sense, and a sense of urgency. I could see quickly that he possessed all four of those qualities in abundance.”

Denny was the General Manager for Gallo’s Los Angeles distribution and sales at the time, and he selected Herb from among all the other area managers to be his Chain Division Sales Manager.

Denny also has a knack for one-line pearls of wisdom.

“Denny had all these wonderful sayings, like ‘The speed of the leader determines the pace of the pack,’ ‘Inspect what you expect,’ ‘Be the one who turns the lights on in the morning and off in the evening,’ and ‘People buy from people they like,’” Herb says. “He was also an amazing people person… he put value on real relationships and on serving the industry and the community. He had such an impact on me and my career that when I got promoted to be Gallo’s General Manager of Sales in Northern California in 1998, I wanted to be in Northern California what Denny was in LA.”

THE NORCAL YEARS

By all accounts, Herb delivered on that goal to emulate Denny.

Above: Herb with his parents and sister Heidi at a formal family affair

Left: Herb’s love of football passed to his daugher Stephanie, an alumni of THE Ohio State University

“What strikes me most about Herb, and why I think he’s so deserving of the Hall of Achievement, is that he does business the old fashioned way— he gets out and meets people,” says Ron Fong, president and CEO of the California Grocers Association.

“Through my work I meet lots of diverse groups of people. Everyone knows Herb, and moreover, they respect and admire him.”

To that point, while people can be “well known” for lots of reasons, Herb’s industry colleagues know him for having a reputation of integrity, generosity and authenticity.

“You would be hard pressed to find a more authentic and thoughtful person—he’s the same in public as he is in private,” says Steve Burd, former CEO of Safeway, current CEO at Burd Health, and himself a CGAEF Hall of Achievement Inductee.

“He’s the epitome of what this industry and the CGAEF Hall of Achievement stand for. In a different time and a different era, they might call this the ‘Herb Smith Award.’”

The other lesson Herb learned from Denny, and applied to his work life, was to be involved. Denny had been involved in numerous boards, charities and industry organizations when they’d worked together. He saw it as a way to make connections and get to know people inside and outside the industry, and in his community.

Over the next 25 years the list of boards and organizations Herb not only joined, but actively supported in ways that won the admiration of peers throughout the industry, reads like a directory of nonprofits. Easter Seals. Boy Scouts. Girl Scouts. California Grocers Association. City of Hope. Muscular Dystrophy Association. The Sales Managers Club of San Francisco. The Illuminators. The USC Food Industry Management Program. The Children’s Miracle Network. The Christermon Foundation. The National Association of Chain Drug Stores. The Food Marketing Institute. The list goes on…

He kept moving up from there. In 2010 he was named Gallo’s national sales director, overseeing $974 million in revenue, and then in 2013 he was promoted to the job he has today, overseeing 150 people who manage Gallo’s top 75 customers and a $2 billion revenue portfolio.

It’s an amazing career path for a one-time, would-be football coach. Yet all along the way, and to this day, he’s kept his appreciation for learning from others.

In 2011 he completed the University of Southern California’s Food Industry Management program, attended FMI leadership courses at Harvard in 2025, and plans to attend additional courses in 2026.

“Herb is one of the hardest working people you will ever meet,” Denny says. “Through sheer desire, hard work, and being the ‘giver of all givers’ he grew through the ranks. His is one of the biggest success stories I’ve ever seen.”

“I’m a joiner… I like to join things” Herb says. “Because what I’ve learned through years of community service is you’re given this gift… you develop relationships with people and peers that go beyond just doing work together. You collaborate on things that are important, that impact and change lives, and that guide how we all move forward as an industry. You forge bonds and friendships through that, and they’re deeper and more meaningful because of it.”

Herb also got the benefit of more mentorship, this time from Bob Wilson, himself a CGAEF Hall of Achievement Inductee, and “someone who knew everyone.” Mentoring younger people was a big part of what Bob did, and that became another area where Herb felt he could give back.

“I came to really enjoy training, developing and mentoring individuals on my team, working with them to set career goals, and helping them get where they want to go,” Herb says. “There is a long line of mentors who got me where I am today, so I’m very proud to honor them by giving back and helping bring up the next generation of industry leaders.”

In 2005 Herb was promoted to GM of Gallo’s Trade Development, where he was in charge of Gallo’s top 50 national retail accounts, including such clients as Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, CVS, 7-11, and others.

In his current position, Herb spends a great deal of time travelling, hence earning the nickname “The Road Warrior” recently from an industry publication. Yet somehow, in the midst of all that work, travel and community involvement, he still takes time to enjoy the good things in life outside of work. He still prioritizes time with family—he recently became a grandfather for the first time. He absolutely loves college football—one of his bucket list goal is to see a game, in person, at every one of the major college football programs. So far, he’s made it to 25 college stadiums.

Rumor has it Herb is also an accomplished golfer. (Make note: the belief among most grocery industry insiders is that if you can get on Herb’s team in a golf tournament, your chances of winning go way up…)

Even with all of his successes and accolades, however, Herb will be the first to tell you that being named to the CGAEF Hall of Achievement is a career highlight.

“I know many of the former inductees. They’re friends and mentors and people I greatly respect. Their achievements with this award are the standard I’ve held myself to for years— words don’t describe what this means to me,” Herb says. “I’m proud to have represented Gallo for 37 years, to have mentored, and been supported by so many great executives, and for the friendships I’ve built with my customers and my peers. I truly believe this is the greatest industry in the world.”

Herb with son-in-law Adam and daughters Stephanie and Kate

Herb with eldest daugher Kate, future son-inlaw Jourdan and granddaughter Gwendolyn

Proud Grandpa Herb pictured with his first grandchild in 2025

of the grocery community

FROM A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND WELLNESS DIRECTOR, TO A SENIOR CATEGORY MANAGER, TO A BEVERAGE RETAIL SALES DIRECTOR, THIS YEAR’S RISING STARS LIST HIGHLIGHTS THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST TALENT IN THE GROCERY INDUSTRY.

Courtney Carranza

Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions Southern California

How did you come to work in the grocery industry?

My path to the grocery industry began early. Growing up in Sacramento, I developed a love for food and grocery shopping while tagging along with my mom on weekly trips to Lucky’s, where persistence eventually landed me my first job as a bagger. In my early twenties, while attending college in Southern California, I returned to grocery for its flexibility and benefits and was hired at Pavilions in Newport Beach, earning a promotion within my first year. After graduating with a B.A. in Anthropology, I entered Vons’ Assistant Store Manager training program in 2001, launching a long‑term career that has included roles as a Store Director for 16 years, an E‑Commerce Operations Manager, and now Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

What unique perspective do you think you bring to your work in the industry?

I bring an end‑to‑end perspective shaped by building my career from the store level up. Years in retail operations allow me to understand how decisions made at the corporate, government, or advocacy level affect associates and customers in real time. That foundation helps me ground public affairs and communications work in what is practical, effective, and supportive of the people doing the work every day.

I also bring a strong focus on community connection and associate engagement. Having seen the role grocery stores play at the neighborhood level, I’m passionate about creating opportunities for meaningful community involvement while strengthening internal communication. By elevating associate voices and aligning teams around purpose and impact, I work to build trust, both within our organization and in the communities we serve.

What’s your favorite thing about being a grocer/supplier?

My favorite thing about being part of the grocery industry is that no two days are ever the same. The work is constantly evolving, which keeps it engaging and exciting, and I love the variety, from the people I collaborate with to the communities we serve. Grocery is fast‑paced and deeply connected to what’s happening in the world, whether that’s shifting consumer needs, emerging technologies, or changing regulations. Keeping up with that constant change means there is always something new to learn or solve, which has proven to be both rewarding and fun.

What inspires you?

What inspires me most at this stage of my career is the opportunity to lift others up. Being in a position where I can mentor, support growth, and help people see what’s possible for their own careers is incredibly meaningful to me. I’m also inspired by the ability my role gives me to facilitate our stores and division giving back to the community in tangible ways, whether through financial support, partnerships, or hands‑on volunteer efforts. Seeing associates take pride in serving their neighborhoods, and witnessing the real impact those efforts have on community members, is deeply rewarding.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve received centers on leadership, courage, and the power of your voice. Early in my career, I learned the importance of leading by example, never asking someone to do something you aren’t willing to do yourself. Especially in retail management, I saw how setting the tone through your actions builds trust, earns respect, and motivates teams to go the extra mile.

Another piece of advice that stayed with me came from a mentor at a pivotal moment in my career. When my current role opened, I hesitated to apply because I didn’t believe I met every qualification. He simply asked, “What are you waiting for?” and encouraged me to go for it. That question challenged the fear that had been holding me back and reshaped how I think about growth. I’ve since learned that you don’t need to check every box to be ready, you need confidence, curiosity, and the willingness to try. I now share that lesson often, especially with those who doubt themselves, as a reminder that growth rarely happens without a leap of faith.

Finally, I was once told that what you say may spark brilliance in someone else that can change an organization. That idea has had a lasting impact on how I show up in meetings and conversations. In retail, collaboration is essential, and some of the most rewarding moments I’ve experienced have come from open discussions where ideas build on one another. Speaking up, at any level, can lead to innovation, connection, and meaningful change.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

Over the next five years, I hope to further strengthen our division’s role as a trusted and engaged partner within the communities we serve. That means deepening relationships with local organizations, nonprofits, and civic leaders, and ensuring our stores are seen not just as places to shop, but as active contributors to community well‑being. I also want to continue building strong, collaborative relationships with local and state government. By aligning our operational realities with public‑sector priorities, I hope to help shape policies and partnerships that support our associates, customers, and communities in meaningful, sustainable ways.

What is a hot take you have about the industry?

My hot take is that grocery is one of the few industries where you can truly start anywhere and go as far as your drive and curiosity will take you, even from bagging groceries to leading a company. If you’re willing to work hard, learn, and speak up, there’s real opportunity to shape your own path. It’s also an industry that never stands still. Grocery constantly adapts to how people live, shop, and eat, finding new ways to meet customers where they are. That mix of possibility, people, and constant change is what makes it such a special place to build a career.

When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?

When I’m not working, I love slowing down and enjoying the simple things. I’m an avid reader and really value spending time with friends and family, especially when it involves trying new restaurants and discovering great food together. Some of our favorite nights are low‑key ones at home, binge‑watching a good show and relaxing with our two cats. My husband and I also love to travel, and some of our favorite places to unwind and recharge are Yosemite, Maui, and the beautiful towns along California’s Central Coast.

Branden Hester

District Director—North Valley/Reno, Sprouts Farmers Market

How did you come to work in the grocery industry?

After leaving the professional football industry, I knew I wanted to make a bigger impact on other people’s lives. There was a Sprouts opening in my hometown, and when I saw how much our missions aligned, I knew this was the right path for me.

What unique perspective do you think you bring to your work in the industry?

I am very fortunate to be surrounded by leaders who bring value in their own unique ways. My uniqueness tends to show up through analyzing our business processes and our people, which allows me to develop innovative approaches to simplify and elevate processes for my team, as well as identify new development paths tailored to their success and long term careers.

What’s your favorite thing about being a grocer/supplier?

My favorite thing about the industry is the complexity and size of the teams. Each day brings something new! There is plenty that I can challenge myself on, intellectually, as well as so

many diverse people that we get to interact with and coach day to day. It helps bring a multi faceted approach to our career field, which is what keeps it exciting.

What inspires you?

Nothing inspires me more than the people. This industry is complex. It takes a lot of strategy, planning, and disciplined execution. With that said, we don’t get much accomplished without our teams. The pieces that always get me truly excited and reignite passion each week are those little moments when you know you made something click for someone and helped them unlock a new evolution of themselves.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve received is that leadership isn’t measured by what you personally accomplish, but by what you enable others to achieve. Where all of our roles depend on our ability to deliver on key metrics and driving results; when we focus on developing people and building systems that allow teams to succeed, impact scales far beyond the individual.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

In the next five years, I hope to continue taking on broader leadership roles within the organization, with the long term goal of becoming a Regional Vice President. In the near term, my focus is on driving meaningful impact across the business by simplifying complex processes that influence key performance indicators, making it easier for our teams to execute at a high level and succeed consistently.

What is a hot take you have about the industry?

My hot take is that, at times, we identify great talent as the people who work the hardest or do the most personally. While effort absolutely matters, I believe true leadership impact comes from those who can simplify complexity, develop others, and build systems that allow entire teams to perform at a higher level—not just the individual.

When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?

In my free time, I love spending time with my wife and our dog. Aside from spending quality time together, we try to have our loved ones over for dinner as often as we can. Continued on page

Parminder Dhillon

Senior Manager, Food Safety, Save Mart Companies

How did you come to work in the grocery industry?

I grew up in California’s Central Valley, surrounded by almond orchards and a diverse range of farms where agriculture is more than an industry, it’s a way of life. From an early age, I understood the deep connection between food, community, and responsibility. That foundation naturally guided me toward a career in the food industry. I am a food safety and environmental health professional with more than 15 years of experience spanning regulatory enforcement, laboratory science, and corporate food safety leadership. My career began in microbiology and quality assurance roles, where I developed a strong technical foundation in food safety systems and risk mitigation. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from California State University, Stanislaus, which further solidified my passion for protecting public health. Prior to joining The Save Mart Companies, I served as a Senior Environmental Health Specialist with the Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources.

In that role, I conducted regulatory inspections and contributed to land use, wastewater, and retail food safety programs. I continue to maintain my Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) credential. I am also actively involved as a Central Chapter Board Member with the California Environmental Health Association (CEHA), a nonprofit association committed to supporting the professional growth and development of environmental health professionals and advancing the protection of public health and the environment.

That regulatory background, combined with corporate leadership experience and ongoing professional engagement, allows me to approach food safety with a balanced, collaborative, and forward thinking perspective.

What unique perspective do you think you bring to your work in the industry?

I bring both regulatory and industry perspectives to my work. Having been on both sides of the table, I understand the priorities, pressures, and expectations of regulators as well as operators. That dual perspective allows me to navigate complex situations with empathy, clarity, and practicality.

At the core of my leadership philosophy is partnership and collaboration. I firmly believe that most challenges can be resolved when we pause to listen, share ideas openly, and work toward solutions together. Food safety is not about enforcement alone, it is about education, communication, and shared responsibility. My goal is always to create alignment rather than tension, and to build systems that support both compliance and operational excellence.

What’s your favorite thing about being a grocer/supplier?

Without hesitation, it’s the people.

I truly enjoy working alongside talented, hardworking colleagues who are deeply committed to excellence and to serving our communities. There is something special about the culture within grocery, it takes teamwork at every level to keep stores running and shelves stocked.

Equally meaningful are our customers. Whether it’s sharing a smile, exchanging a brief pleasantry, or helping someone find the last ingredient for a home cooked meal, those everyday interactions matter. Grocery stores are part of people’s daily lives and important family moments. Being even a small part of that experience is incredibly rewarding.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by being part of an organization that is deeply rooted in the communities it serves. Our neighborhood stores operate in the same communities where many of our team members live and raise their families. That connection creates a genuine sense of accountability and pride.

Through our competitive pricing, weekly ads, discount initiatives, and donation programs, we help ensure access to food for a wide range of shoppers. Additionally, our Community Relations team actively participates in local events and service projects, encouraging involvement from across the organization to address real community needs. Seeing our teams show up, not because they have to, but because they care, is incredibly inspiring. It reinforces that we are more than a grocery company; we are a community partner.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of career advice I’ve received is: Failure is not an option. We must rise to the occasion, and if we fall, it is temporary. What ultimately defines us is how we rise after falling.

That advice has stayed with me throughout my career. Challenges are inevitable, especially in leadership. What matters most is resilience, accountability, and the willingness to learn, adapt, and move forward stronger than before.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

Over the next five years, I hope to continue bridging the gap between regulators and the regulated community. There is tremendous opportunity to strengthen trust, improve communication, and align on the shared goal of protecting public health.

I also want to expand our organization’s involvement in community partnerships that promote food safety education and awareness. By fostering collaboration, both internally and externally, we can elevate standards, build stronger relationships, and create lasting positive impact.

What is a hot take you have about the industry?

My hot take is this: No role is small in grocery. Every single person, from store teams to distribution, from corporate support to suppliers, contributes to the overall success of the organization.

When we focus on people first and intentionally build strong relationships, there is no limit to what we can accomplish. Operational excellence follows cultural excellence. When people feel valued and aligned around a common purpose, performance naturally rises.

When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?

When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my wife and our two daughters. Family is everything to us. Much of our free time is filled with impromptu dance parties in the living room, backyard camping adventures, traveling, and making memories together.

We especially enjoy family trips to Disneyland. There is something magical about experiencing it through the eyes of our daughters. Those moments keep me grounded and remind me what truly matters.

Keely Antonio

Vice President of Experiential Growth & Strategic Partnerships, Superior Brands Group

How did you come to work in the grocery industry?

I grew up in the grocery industry—I just didn’t know it would become my career. Between family members who worked in stores and spending more time in grocery aisles than most kids, it was always part of my world.

I formally entered the industry through experiential marketing, working directly in stores and talking to shoppers face to face. That’s when it clicked for me: grocery isn’t just retail—it’s one of the few places where brands, retailers, and communities intersect every single day. Once I saw the power of that, I never wanted to leave.

What unique perspective do you think you bring to your work in the industry?

I approach grocery like a community space, not just a retail environment. As a Gen Z leader, I see firsthand that shoppers don’t respond to traditional marketing—they respond to experiences, authenticity, and being seen.

I focus on turning stores back into places people want to be by designing moments that feel human, memorable, and culturally relevant—not transactional.

What’s your favorite thing about being a grocer/supplier?

The immediacy. You can feel impact in real time— a conversation, a sample, a smile, a shopper discovering something new. Grocery is one of the few industries where you can still influence behavior face to face, and that’s incredibly powerful.

What inspires you?

Grocery is personal for me—it’s in my DNA. My grandma was a cake decorator, my grandpa was a store manager, and my mom likes to joke that she practically had me in aisle 13. I grew up in and around stores, watching the same shoppers come in week after week and seeing firsthand how grocery stores quietly become community hubs.

I’ve seen how a store can be more than shelves and transactions—it can be a place of connection, familiarity, and care. That’s what inspires me: honoring that legacy while reimagining what grocery can feel like for the next generation.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

“Don’t wait to be invited to lead—act like the owner of the problem.”

That mindset changed everything for me. I stopped waiting for permission and started building solutions.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

I want to help reshape how people experience grocery—making stores feel relevant, social, and alive again. I also want to mentor and open doors for the next generation of leaders who don’t fit the traditional mold but bring creativity, empathy, and bold thinking to the industry.

What is a hot take you have about the industry?

Grocery doesn’t have a foot traffic problem—it has a connection problem.

We’ve optimized stores for efficiency but forgotten emotion. Gen Z doesn’t shop based on price alone; we shop based on how something makes us feel. The brands and retailers that win will be the ones that stop shouting promotions and start creating moments worth showing up for.

When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?

I recently ran a 52 mile ultramarathon through the mountains, which pretty accurately reflects how I live and work—pushing limits, embracing discomfort, and finding clarity in the process. I also spend as much time as possible outdoors; it’s where I recharge and get my best ideas.

Brie Walker

Account

Executive for Independent Grocers, Flashfood

How did you come to work in the grocery industry?

I studied Agricultural Business at Cal Poly, which sparked my interest in the business of feeding the world. That curiosity led me into the CPG space with beverage brand Olipop, and eventually to Flashfood, a company I had been following and admiring for its meaningful mission and impact on the world.

What unique perspective do you think you bring to your work in the industry?

I’m fortunate to work in a role where the impact is shared across three massive pillars: supporting grocers, strengthening local communities, and reducing the environmental harm caused by food waste. I care deeply about all three, so I bring a genuine passion to my work every single day.

What’s your favorite thing about being a grocer/supplier?

My favorite thing about working in the grocery industry is the people I’m fortunate to work alongside. The grocery industry is sustained by the kindest, most hard working people, who quietly serve as the backbones of their communities.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by behind the scenes work. People who go the extra mile and people who are willing to lend their support, not for recognition but because it’s the right thing to do for their team or their organization.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of career advice is to ask questions, follow through on the little things, and be kind.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

I hope to leverage the relationships I’ve built in the grocery industry to support Flashfood’s growth and strengthen the independent grocery community across California. Flashfood has the potential to have a massive impact on the food security of communities that need it the most, while keeping good food from going to waste. California’s agricultural community is the backbone of this state’s economy and no one wants to see the valuable resource, food, end up in the landfill. At the same time, my role is to support grocery stores and help them invest in themselves, serve their neighborhoods, and reduce waste costs. Grocery stores are the pillars of their communities, and if I can play even a small role in supporting my local stores, I believe the ripple effect can be powerful.

What is a hot take you have about the industry?

More creativity in the ready made frozen meals section please!!!

When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?

Skiing, cooking, drinking great wine with friends, and crushing in Catan!

Katee Gustavson

Community Engagement Coordinator, BriarPatch Food Co-op

How did you come to work in the grocery industry?

My first food related job was with a plant based protein startup where I worked at the end of college and after graduation. The team was only three people when I joined, so I had the chance to learn about every part of getting a food product off the ground and into customers’ hands. It was definitely a crash course on the product side of the industry.

While growing up in Nevada County, I played soccer after school on the field right across the street from BriarPatch Food Co op. After practice, my mom and I would stop in for dinner or groceries. I still remember the delicious hot bar, the friendly cashiers, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The co op has always felt like a special place.

Flash forward a few years: I had left the startup job and decided to move back to Nevada County. When on the job hunt, something in me thought to go directly to BriarPatch’s website, where I learned about the Community Engagement Coordinator position. This position truly felt like all professional experience I’ve ever had wrapped up into one opportunity. I was offered the position the same day as my interview and haven’t looked back since. Even now, more than two years in, I’m constantly amazed by how much I continue to learn about the grocery industry every time I come to work.

What unique perspective do you think you bring to your work in the industry?

I bring a unique perspective to the industry and to my position through my background in sustainability and the forward thinking mindset that comes with being early in my career. My sustainability experience helps me think critically and responsibly when it comes to decisions relating to how our company presents itself through the donations we give, the events we put on, the giveaways we offer, etc. At the same time, being an elder of Gen Z gives me a unique perspective on what emerging consumers are expecting at stores, which tends to trend on the side of sustainable and socially conscious offerings. Together, both of these perspectives allow me to give insight that’s grounded in responsible principles and new curiosity, which brings creativity and purpose to the grocery industry.

What’s your favorite thing about being a grocer/supplier?

My favorite thing about being in this industry is how naturally food brings people together. There are so many ways to connect around food, whether it’s chatting with a customer about a recipe, sharing the story of a product at an event, or collecting cans for a local food pantry. There are endless opportunities for meaningful conversations around what we eat.

In my role specifically, I also love the opportunity to positively impact our local area. Through programs like Round Up at the Register, Apples for Gardens, and our PatchWorks Volunteer program I get to see firsthand how partnerships support the people and organizations around us. Being a part of that bigger purpose is incredibly rewarding.

What inspires you?

It’s hard to say what isn’t a source of inspiration, but my biggest inspirations are my husband and my parents. My husband’s career is very different than mine, but he is constantly seeking new ideas and finding creative solutions to problems, which helps to push me to want to do the same in my own career. Growing up with my parents owning their own business, it taught me the work ethic that I have today, and seeing how they have grown their business continues to be an inspiration to me.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of career advice I’ve received is “Don’t do everything yourself”. If you’re lucky enough to work with an amazing team, like I am, it’s important to utilize the strengths of those teammates in order to increase efficiency and empower others. Even though it sometimes feels easier to do something alone, I’ve learned that the results are almost always better when we collaborate. Do I always listen to this advice? No, but I do try my best to be intentional and ask for help.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

Over the next five years, I hope to continue growing in my community focused role by expanding our existing programs and introducing new ideas that respond to real needs. I plan to strengthen my partnerships with local organizations and help guide strategic initiatives that create sustainable change. My goal is to help create a more engaged, empowered community. I’m committed to building the experience and expertise needed to drive positive change at a broader level.

What is a hot take you have about the industry?

Grocery stores shouldn’t just be a place where people buy food; they should serve as a hub for the community. Too often, stores can feel sterile and transactional, which only adds to people’s sense of disconnection and overwhelm. Because everyone needs to eat, we all go to grocery stores, but they don’t need to be a place that a customer speeds through just to check something off their to do list.

Grocers have the opportunity to create warm, welcoming environments that feel reliable and inviting—not just a spot to buy green beans. When stores cultivate spaces where neighbors can chat in the aisles or acquaintances become friends over coffee in the cafe, a simple errand can become a little more meaningful. That sense of comfort and trust encourages people to return more often, not just for the products, but for the community they feel like they are a part of.

When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun? When I can, I love heading out for the weekend to go backpacking or car camping across California. Getting outside feels so refreshing and it’s a great excuse to explore all that the state has to offer. My husband and I also just bought our first house, so I’m pretty sure my free time will soon be filled with house related projects—fun or not!

Christian Spoor

Director of Customer Development, Botticelli Foods

How did you come to work in the grocery industry?

Growing up, I had an innate desire to help people live healthier lives. I began college on a pre med track, but a few introductory business classes really piqued my interest and changed my trajectory. My university had a hybrid bachelor’s program between health science and business—‘BioMedical Marketing’. This really played into my variety of passions and let me get a breadth of experience even in undergrad. My turning point that led me to the grocery space, however, was a summer internship in Boulder, Colorado. I moved out West for an internship with Medtronic (medical device manufacturer). When I landed in Boulder, I was blown away by the vibrant natural foods culture and focus on fresh, nutritious options. People cared more about riding your bike to work, and eating right, than they did about any prescription or medical solution.

I realized that summer, I didn’t need to be in the medical field to impact public health; I could do it through the food people put in their bodies every day.

I’ve always loved food—from working in pizza shops in high school to caterers and delis in college—but Boulder showed me it could be a career.

After graduation, I started my professional career in a leadership program with Nestlé and have since navigated a “spiral staircase” career path rather than a traditional ladder,

gaining experience in brand marketing, sponsorships, packaging, operational analytics, merchandising, category management, and now sales at high caliber companies like Chobani and Anheuser Busch among others before joining my latest team.

What is your current role?

In my role at Botticelli Foods, I lead Customer Development for the West. Botticelli Foods is a family owned, authentic, Italian specialty foods producer. We have a lean, high performing team, which means my role is rooted in partnership and collaboration internally and externally. My day to day includes everything from building retail relationships and joint business plans to launching innovations and even chasing trucks with our logistics team to ensure perfect deliveries. It requires a mix of high level strategy and boots on the ground execution to see the forest through the trees, then dive straight back into the weeds to get things done… I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Outside of Botticelli, I also volunteer as a coach and serve on the regional leadership board for the Special Olympics in Southern California. A wise mentor once told me “If everyone in the world threw their problems into a big pile… you would grab yours back as quickly as you can.” My volunteer work keeps me grounded and brings true joy to my life through the relationships and friendships I’ve built with my teammates and co coaches. Lastly, I have invested in and advised various companies over the years and I would not be where I am today without the learnings I’ve gained from each of those experiences.

What unique perspective do you bring to the industry?

I am a firm believer that 1 + 1 can = 3. I would say it is my mantra more than my unique perspective. But to me, this means that through symbiotic relationships, two businesses (or two people) can create something far greater together than they ever could alone.

To make this possible, I lean into radical transparency; I’ve found that when you lay all your cards on the table, it uncovers catalysts for creative problem solving. If we approach every discussion with honesty and respect, there is no limit to the success we can create through partnership.

What is your favorite thing about being a food supplier?

It is a people industry; we just happen to sell groceries.

By far my favorite thing about being a food supplier is the people I have built relationships with along the way. Centered on my life long goal of ‘bringing light to as many people’s lives as I can,’ this industry is refreshingly personal. This is something I really cherish about our space. I see friends and family in industries that are numbers first (and numbers only) in how they do business, and our industry, in my experience, is simply just not that way. We foster relationships, make friendships, help each other, and at the end of the day, work as a system to bring the nourishment people need to live their lives to the fullest.

What inspires you?

That we only get one opportunity to enjoy this gift, that is life on earth.

As long as I am able, I will be doing all I can to use my talents and abilities to lift people up and bring the most positive impact I can to those around me.

From an inspirational role model perspective, I look up to people that change the world—in big ways like Steve Jobs, pushing for excellence beyond what was believed to be possible, and in our industry, folks like Doug Rauch who leveraged a successful career at Trader Joe’s to focus his skills on combating food waste issues and fighting hunger providing nutritious opportunities for those who need it most. I look at excellence in our fields and driving community impact as the most inspiring things around me.

What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

My father, an engineer turned CEO, taught me at a young age that “any job worth doing is worth doing well.” This could be anything from raking leaves, or putting dishes away, to studying for a test or developing a business plan. My mother, the most creatively talented person I know, taught me to bring her empathetic outside the box problem solving prowess to any situation. Together, their influence formed my professional North Star: If it ain’t broke, break it—always look for ways to improve and innovate, even when things seem fine. I’ve been lucky enough to have managers and mentors in my career that have empowered me to bring this mindset into many scenarios over the years. Sometimes I end up back at square one, but many times, I’ve pushed for improvements and uncovered new, better ways to get things done.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

In the next five years, I want to continue driving meaningful impact through my work and beyond. I’m particularly passionate about navigating brand and company growth at all levels; my father founded his own company, and, after watching him from a young age, I have learned I love helping emerging brands navigate hurdles as they grow. Ultimately, I want to be a positive light in the industry and help brands reach their full potential.

Outside of work, I hope to start a family, keep focused on my faith, build my volunteer impact, stay stern in my nutrition and fitness, and have fun with the people closest to me along the way.

What is a “hot take” you have about the industry?

My biggest hot take for our industry is: You don’t have to be “revolutionary” to be successful. Our industry is often obsessed with the next “shiny toy,” but I believe the future belongs to companies that master the fundamentals: quality, sustainability, and the “Four P’s.” You can be plenty disruptive in grocery just by bringing the right product to the right person at the right time. We sell experiences and nourishment in this industry, and sometimes people don’t need the wheel recreated to get what they want from products in our space.

I’m a big believer in, amongst other things, the future of private label and the dire need for sustainable practices at all levels. Success in the coming decades won’t necessarily come from being “mega different”; it will come from a relentless focus on quality and the building of a great team. A team with the right coaching, an aligned culture, and genuine passion can truly accomplish anything.

When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?

I spend my time at church, volunteering, and enjoying everything Southern California has to offer. I love golfing, surfing, cooking, games with friends, travelling back to Massachusetts and North Carolina to see family, and reading (if you think audiobooks count!).

I’ve spent the last couple years focused on strengthening the roots that will grow into my future family tree. By ruthlessly eliminating hurry from my life, I’ve been able to focus on what matters and not stress about what doesn’t. I work very hard, but I continue to have a TON of fun along the way!

Andria Monceaux

Vice President of Sales, Twang Brands

How did you come to work in the grocery industry?

I started as a Team Leader with ConAgra, and fell in love with all things grocery, from merchandising, product assortment, product visibility, promotional tactics, marketing, etc.

What unique perspective do you think you bring to your work in the industry?

I have worked in both large corporations and small, growing companies. Having the background of Large CPG to be able to apply it to a challenger brand is a strength. Understanding a brand’s right to win, looking for white space, setting the strategy, and staying the course is how I have been successful.

What’s your favorite thing about being a grocer/supplier?

Meeting so many great and smart people. I have been in this industry for a while, and I am always surprised at how much I continue to learn and grow not only from my customers, but also from my peers and even my competition.

What inspires you?

My family inspires me. To watch my kids face and navigate challenges to reach their potential is always inspiring to me. Their challenges are so different

than mine were; I enjoy watching them live and learn and I usually learn something from them in the process.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Remember to reach out and keep in touch, especially to those who have impacted you personally and professionally. You never know what effect you have when you tell someone how they impacted you positively.

What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?

To continue to grow my network and understanding of the industry. There is always room to improve your knowledge, understanding, and strategies within this industry.

What is a hot take you have about the industry?

AI will play a big role in the Grocery industry. I think we need to embrace AI and understand how it can help the industry become more efficient in understanding trends, product and promotional impact, ROI’s, etc. However, while AI will impact the industry, we will still need strong connections to be successful. Food has always been a way that people come together, and that coming together can’t be done thru AI, so as an industry, we will need to continue to support each other and understand how people connect thru food to be successful.

When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?

Looking for fun new recipes to cook with my family or traveling. We especially love to visit National Parks and Beaches! ■

CONGRATULATES

Jim P erkins, Shane Sampson, and Herb Smith

for being inducted into the CGAEF Hall of Achievement

Shane Sampson The Save Mart Companies

Herb Smith Gallo

Live Auction Rules

To ensure that the auction concludes at a reasonable hour, the live auction will begin during dinner and continue without intermission until all items have been auctioned. By bidding in the live auction, each bidder agrees to these auction rules.

Upon entry, each guest will be given a bid card. To bid in the live auction, hold your bid card up high with the number toward the auctioneer. A bid acknowledged by the live auctioneer is a legal contract to purchase the item. The highest bidder acknowledged by the Auctioneer shall be the buyer who immediately assumes full risk and responsibility for the item.

Auction items will be awarded to one purchaser only. The top bid amount for an auction item will not be split among bidders who may have agreed to pay a portion of the top bid amount. A purchaser who wishes to so split the payment for an auction item must collect the individual payments from the other bidder(s), then either present those payments to the cashiers at the time the purchaser pays for the top bidder’s purchases or accept those payments as a partial reimbursement for the total payment the purchaser has made.

All purchases are final and there will be no exchanges or refunds on items unless otherwise noted. The auctioneer reserves the right to reject any bid which is a minimal fractional advance over the prior bid.

We will gladly accept your payment by currency, your check, Visa or MasterCard. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and your payments are tax deductible as a charitable contribution, only to the extent provided by law. Generally you may deduct as a charitable contribution the amount you pay above the fair market value of the item.

Unless otherwise noted, all goods and services must be claimed and used within one year of the auction date.

The auctioneer reserves the right to add or withdraw, without notice, items to or from the auction.

The purchaser assumes the responsibility to remove purchases from the auction premises.

Reservations for trips and vacation accommodations must be mutually arranged with the donor unless otherwise noted. Tickets in travel packages are for coach class unless otherwise noted. No refunds will be allowed on travel packages for cancelled tickets and/or accommodations.

Travel will be provided by donors as described even if the prices increase above those stated. Because travel charges change, travel costs may decrease the values stated, but no refunds will be allowed.

All items not removed from the auction premises this evening will be stored for at the purchaser’s risk and expense.

CGAEF has attempted to describe and catalog all items correctly, but all items are offered as is, whereas CGAEF neither warrants nor represents, and in no event shall be responsible for the correctness of descriptions, genuineness, authorship, provenance or condition of the items. No statement made in this auction or made orally at the auction or elsewhere shall be deemed such a warranty for tax purposes or fair market value. Items have not been appraised unless otherwise noted.

Each person issued a bid number (bidder) assumes all risks and hazards related to the auction and items obtained at the auction. Each bidder agrees to hold harmless from any liability arising there from CGAEF, its elected and appointed officials, members and employees, the auctioneer(s), the auction company and its agents and employees, the event organizers, sponsors, and/or volunteers connected with the auction.

Fair market value is an estimate of the retail value. Generally, we depend on the donor to give us a reasonable estimate of the item’s retail value.

Please collect your auction items and check out at the auction station before you leave the venue.

Thank you for your generosity!

Meet Freddie Silveria

FSA Auctions, Freddie Silveria is our auctioneer! Freddie once sold a glass of tap water for $5,000!! He is fun, high energy and passionate about making a difference! FSA Auctions has helped nonprofits, schools and charity organizations fundraise over $150 million dollars from events.

Freddie is the only benefit auctioneer in California to earn the most prestigious three year Certified Auctioneer Institute (CAI) designation from the National Auction Association (NAA) at Indiana University. He is also a bilingual graduate from the Worldwide College of Auctioneering in Iowa and Saint Mary’s College of CA.

Freddie has been awarded Sacramento’s 40 Under 40, Comstock’s Magazine Top 10 Young Professional of the Year, Habitat for Humanity’s Community Partner of the Year and Saint Mary’s College Gael of the Decade. In addition to fundraising, Freddie has also spoken professionally with over 400,000 middle and high school students for the past 12 years. He presents a school culture workshop called Breaking Down the Walls with the message that “it’s hard to hate someone whose story you know.”

Freddie thanks you in advance for your support of our mission!

Book your next event with FSA Auctions FSAauctions.com • freddie@FSAauctions.com • @FSAauctions

CONGRATULATIONS!

on your well-deserved induction into the CGA Educational Foundation’s Hall of Achievement! Your dedication, leadership, and lasting impact make this honor truly fitting. Wishing you continued success in all that you do. From Your Friends at Red Bull

SHANE

CONGRATULATES

on your induction into

CGAEF HALL OF ACHIEVEMENT

Jim Perkins & Shane Sampson

The Save Mart Companies

Gallo

Herb Smith

Hall of Achievement Honorees

on your induction into the CGA Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement.

Shane Sampson The Save Mart Companies

Jim Perkins The Save Mart Companies

Herb Smith Gallo

Herb Smith Gallo

Shane Sampson SaveMart Companies

Jim Perkins, Herb Smith and Shane Sampson

Jim Perkins SaveMart Companies

Shane Sampson and Jim Perkins on this well-deserved honor.

Your leadership and dedication has meant the world to the grocery industry.

SHANE SAMPSON The Save Mart Companies

JIM PERKINS The Save Mart Companies

BIG RED The Save Mart Companies